Bernadette "Bernie" T. Fisher

Bernadette “Bernie” T. (Lamensky) Fisher, age 94, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2022, with her family near her. She was born on February 25, 1928, to the late Peter Sr and Elizabeth (Dresang) Lamensky. Bernadette graduated from St Joseph Grade School in 1943 and Appleton High School in 1946. Following school, she worked for many years at St Joseph School Cafeteria. She met the love of her life Joseph Fisher through a neighbor friend. On May 10, 1947, the two were united in marriage and they went on to raise their family of four in Appleton.

 

Bernadette was a strong Catholic who had her rosary with her day and night. She was a lifelong parishioner at St Joseph Parish in Appleton and was a “charter member” of the Senior Committee. She was also a member of the Monte Alverno Guild until the retreat center’s closure and was a well-known server at funerals until she couldn’t do so anymore.

 

Bernadette loved all manner of textile crafts, from knitting blankets, crocheting baby sweaters, counted-cross stitch baby welcome gifts and the pies de resistance were her Christmas Stockings that she created for ALL of her family! She loved all flavors and forms of chocolate and was a true believer that a day was not complete without a daily dose! She was also a devoted flag flying, sweatshirt wearing Packer fan.

 

Bernadette loved the time spent at Evergreen Campground. “Big Blue” was a permanent fixture at the campground, and Bernie lived there from May until September.  All the children and grandchildren lived at the campground during the summer throughout their childhoods.  Big Blue even had its own sign marker in the campground!  Time spent there with Bernie was the best!

 

Bernadette is survived by her children: Beth (C. James) Seghers, Patti Fisher, daughters-in-law: Mary Ellen and Sue Fisher; grandchildren: Kristine (Gary), J.J. (Miranda), Marcie (Dan), Ben (Erin), Amanda (Anthony), Kyle, Kara (Eric), Kate, Sara (Tim); and great grandchildren: Ryleigh, Taron, Isaac, Joseph, Willow, Ezra, Lukas, Jackson, Breven, Blake, and Cole. She is further survived by her sister-in-law Kay Lamensky as well as many other nieces, nephews, friends, and other family members.

 

Greeting her at the gates of Heaven were her husband Joe, sons Jeff and Tim, her parents and great grandson Makswell. In addition, the gathering in Heaven was attended by her brother Pete (Kay) and sister Bernice (Lawrence), as well as brothers and sisters in law, and many extended family.

 

A funeral liturgy will be held for Bernadette on Saturday November 5, 2022, at 11:00am, at St Joseph Catholic Church 404 W Lawrence Street, Appleton. Friends and family may gather at the church from 9:00am until the start of mass. Please wear her favorite color BLUE! 

 

The family would like to thank the staff at Edenbrook Retirement Center for their excellent care of Bernie.

 

In lieu of flowers please consider planting a tree or donating to St Joseph Food Pantry in Bernadette’s name.