Ms. Bernadette River Park remained one of the most popular preschools on Capitol Hill, due in large part to its outstanding reputation and the enthusiasm of alumni families. “My daughter is almost 22. And Ms. Bernadette is still a part of our lives,” said Marcia Leonard, whose daughter attended River Park in the late 90s. “Her teaching, her style, her incredible devotion to children, shaped both my parenting and our choice of schools and even our daily expressions.” “Ms. Bernadette was so much more than a nursery school teacher,” said past River Park president Rosie Nathanson. “She was a mother to all of us mothers. She was a neighbor, a friend, a mentor and a confidante. She influenced all of those who had the pleasure of knowing her.” And now it is us, her friends, neighbors, and families, who are standing on one side of the figurative Blue Carpet. It is time for us to say goodbye to her at a place where our feet cannot pass. But we leave with her wise words on our lips and her sound advice in our heads. The students she taught will continue to grow and thrive as good scholars and good citizens. As much as any of the prominent people working in those important buildings down the block, she has left our neighborhood—and our world— in better shape than she found it. For this and for all the wonderful memories she has given us all, she has our enduring thanks and love. River Park Nursery School will continue to operate in the fall with Erin Crouse as director and Morgan Powell as assistant teacher. Ms. Crouse was personally chosen as the next director of River Park by Ms. Bernadette. u
Always the Good Angel 1941–2016 Celebration of Life Saturday, September 10, 2016 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lutheran Church of the Reformation 212 East Capitol Street NE All are welcome to gather for kids’ entertainment, lunch, and a community remembrance for the grownups.
River Park Nursery School
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