Bernie was born in 1924 in Toronto, Ontario Canada to Clare and Lola Howard.  She was the eldest of 5 children.  As a young child she enjoyed spending time at Lake Ontario and taking the ferry to Toronto Island.  She learned to knit and roller skate at an early age and was passionate about those hobbies throughout her life.

Bernie travelled Europe in the Roller Vanities in the late 1940's.  She enjoyed sharing the fond memories of that time in her life.

After returning from Europe in the Roller Vanities, Bernie began her career as an operator with Bell Canada.  She put her career on hold to raise her children.  In the 1970's she reinstated her seniority with Michigan Bell and stayed with the company (now AT&T) until she retired.  She made many wonderful life long friendships in the workplace that were very dear to her.

Bernie enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.  She had friends from many walks of life and was always an inspiration. She frequently traveled back to Canada to spend time with family and a enjoy a butter tart!