The daughter of the late Harold and Catherine O'Keefe Bell is a native of Sharon whose home parish is St. Joseph Church in Sharon.

Sister Bernadette entered the Sisters of Mercy on Dec. 7, 1952, in Erie and professed her final vows July 31, 1958.

She is vice president of the Erie Region of the Sisters of Mercy, and has served on the boards of Mercy Center of the Arts, Mercy Terrace Apartments, Mercy Center on Aging, Erie DAWN Inc., L'Arche Erie and the Mercy Elementary Education Network.

She has been Middle States chairperson for school evaluations for the past 25 years and served on the board of trustees at Mercyhurst College in Erie.

Sister Bernadette was the assistant professor of education at Mercyhurst College and served as principal of St. Luke and St. George schools, both Erie. She was the regional director for Catholic School Office in Boston.

"When I think of what has impressed me the most in my ministry over the past 50 years, I immediately connect with the women of Mercy who have been part of my life in so many ways since the day of my entrance," said Sister Bernadette.

"The opportunities to pray, share, work and laugh with so many sisters in so many ways and places has had a great influence on my life as a Sister of Mercy.

"The fourth vow we profess -- service to the poor, sick and uneducated -- is a daily reminder to each of us to carry out the charism of our foundress, Catherine McAuley, in all of our ministries in which we are involved. No matter what the ministry is, it is obvious that this charism of Mercy so demonstrated by sisters over the years has had a powerful effect on students, parents and colleagues.

"So, in one word, I can reply that mercy has made the greatest impression."

Sister Bernadette graduated in 1945 from St. Joseph's School, Sharon; and in 1949 from Sharon High School. She earned a bachelor's degree in 1953 from Mercyhurst College; and a master's degree in 1963 and administration certification in 1969, both from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh. Sister Bernadette attended National Catholic Principals Academy in 1988.

She also attended Gannon University, Erie; Boston College; Georgetown University and Catholic University of America, both Washington, D.C.; and Carlow College, Pittsburgh.