Lyons Pool

The Daily Plant : Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Remembering Bernadette Wilson

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Staten Island Seasonal Pool Manager Bernadette Wilson. She recently lost her two-year battle with cancer and completed her journey home, as lovingly stated by her children.

Born in the Bronx, she grew up in Brooklyn. She moved to Staten Island in 1984 and lived in Stapleton, Port Richmond and Arlington before settling in Todt Hill.

Ms. Wilson, as she was fondly referred to her by staff, co-workers and park patrons, started her career with Parks during July 1993 as a City Seasonal Aide at West Brighton Pool. She spent the next eight years there as a CSA. Bernadette had such a positive effect on the West Brighton community that she was promoted to serve as a Seasonal Pool Supervisor there for the next few years.

In 2004, Ms. Wilson was hired full time and served in a variety of titles spanning from CSA through Seasonal Park Supervisor, ending her career with Parks as a Pool Manager at Lyons Pool.

Bernadette Wilson was an amazing and courageous woman. She had a way of leading staff and community with grace and compassion, instilling values and ethics in her message. Bernadette was proud to be a member of the Parks family and demonstrated that with every feat she accomplished, every day she was with us. Even when she was off the clock, Bernadette was always hard at works for Parks.

Close to two decades of working at pools, Ms. Wilson started a tradition of opening and closing every season with a home-made red velvet cake. June 29, 2011 was no different when Bernadette brought her famous cake in to kick off the season. The cake was enjoyed by the staff, Lifeguards, PEP, PD and patrons that were fortunate enough to frequent the pool that day. That was just one of the many ways Ms. Wilson touched the hearts of all and unified communities.

She also treasured time spent with her family and friends and loved children. “Everyone knew ‘Bernie’ loves the kids,” said her daughter, Vanessa Lindley.

Ms. Wilson also enjoyed cooking and was known for her potato salad and fried chicken, and her home-baked cakes, always delivered with a smile.

She began studying with Jehovah’s Witnesses in 2003 and was baptized in August 2008. She attended services at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mariners Harbor and shared her faith in field service even during her illness.

Surviving, along with her daughter, Vanessa, are her son, Henry McCoy; her daughter, Summer Wilson; two brothers, Ronald, and Terrence; two sisters, Constance McIntosh and Cheryl Hadden, and four grandchildren.

Bernadette Wilson will be missed, lovingly remembered and will always have a place in the hearts of Staten Islanders and Parkies.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

“When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.”

Author Unknown