It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Bernice Stern, grandmother of Lee Pesky. Mrs. Stern passed away on Saturday, April 18 after 103 years of love, family and friends. Mrs. Stern and her late husband, Milton Stern, are the parents of Wendy Pesky, LPLC Co-Founder and Board member. Bernice and Milton Stern were loving parents and generous participants in their communities. Their family foundation, the Milton and Bernice Foundation, has been one of LPLC’s most generous benefactors throughout our 23-year history and pivotal to our success.
Mrs. Stern born on July 8, 1916, in the East Bronx, New York. She graduated from NYU and in 1936 she married the love of her life, Milton – partner in family, business, entertainment, travel and sports. Bernice was an avid skier, swimmer and loved the outdoors – all of which she enjoyed with her four children, 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Bernice was one of the first woman entrepreneurs in the cosmetic business, founding Parfums Stern with her husband in the 1960s. Once the company was bought by Avon in 1987, Bernice was able to devote more time to her charitable causes – one of which being Lee Pesky Learning Center, as well as LPLC’s “sister center” The Stern Center for Language and Learning in Williston, VT.
In addition to being remembered for her wonderful sense of humor, Bernice will be missed for her warmth, compassion, vivaciousness, and generosity.
Due to current circumstances, a memorial service will be announced at a later date.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Lee Pesky Learning Center. If you would like to make a gift in Mrs. Bernice Stern’s honor, please click here.
