Patricia Q. Bernard

Patricia “Pat” Bernard, age 91, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2025. She was born in New York City, New York to John Francis Quick and Louise Pearl (Hutto) Quick on December 21, 1933.

Pat grew up in Smithtown, New York. She graduated from Smithtown High School in 1951 where she was an active member of the school’s theater group and an energetic cheerleader. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in music education from Fredonia University in New York.

She began her teaching career in Stony Brook, New York before moving with her husband, Jerry Bernard and their five children to Aiken, South Carolina in 1971 — along with their beloved dapple-grey pony, Shamrock.

Pat was the school’s music teacher, choir conductor, and Title 1 educator. She extended her musical abilities beyond the classroom. She directed numerous choral performances with her cherished students at Hopelands Gardens. She also gave private piano lessons in her home. She became known by the generations of her beloved students throughout Aiken County as ” Miss Bernard”.

Pat shared her beautiful voice with Aiken’s local choral society. Her love of acting remained a central part of her life with the Aiken Community Theater.

In her retirement years, she became a passionate gardener and a long-time member of the local horticulture club.

Pat had a deep love for her family and made it a priority to gather with them for all special occasions. She especially liked equestrian events, one of her favorites was to attend the annual Aiken Trials.

Throughout her life, Pat always enjoyed spending time walking the beach collecting seashells. She maintained her sense of tranquility from attending weekend retreats at Holy Spirit Abbey, a monastery in Conyers, Georgia.

Pat had a vibrant personality, ease of connection with others, and a zest for life. Her engaging spirit drew people in — she never met a stranger. Pat’s warmth and joy for life was infectious.

Pat is survived by her five children: Geraldine Paxton, Billy Bernard, Joanne Hay (Mike), Brian Bernard (Lisa), and Chris Bernard.

She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Cullen Rodgers-Gates (Mandy), Trey Paxton, Ian Reese, Mackenzie Hay (Adam), Jordan Bernard (Shelby), Sylvia Pearl Bernard, Isabella Bernard (Jacob), Whitney Rogeness (Chris), Kathryn Proctor (Robert), Hunter Tharp (Mallory), Peyton Tharp, Grisham Bernard (Hollie), Alexandria Bernard, Miah Bernard, and Weslyn Bernard.

Pat was blessed with great grandchildren: Hannah, Ethan, Caleb, and baby Eleanor. She also leaves behind countless friends, students, and members of the Aiken community who were touched by her generous spirit.

A visitation will be held Friday afternoon, March 28th beginning at 4:00 pm with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 5:00 pm at Shellhouse-Rivers Funeral Home, 715 E Pine Log Road, Aiken, SC 29803.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Aiken Community Theater (www.aikencommunitytheatre.org/support) or The Hitchcock Woods Foundation (www.hitchcockwoods.org/support/give-now/).

SHELLHOUSE-RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC