What aspects of your cultural heritage are you most proud of or interested in?

With a name like “Bernadette” I wasn’t going to fool anyone about my heritage! My Italian heritage comes from my mother’s side of the family. Her parents, my grandparents migrated here from Italy.

My fathers side was Irish and both parents were Catholic and I was raised in an Italian, Irish Catholic home.

A big part of my heritage is cooking and making food. My Italian grandmother was a huge influence here. She owned and operated a hotel and was always cooking and making food. I love to cook and often make Italian dishes and baked goods.

When I was younger I joked “I am Irish and Italian and have the temper to prove it!” Fortunately age has mellowed me.

My dad was so proud of his Irish heritage. I do celebrate Saint Patrick’s day with Irish drink and foods.

There is nothing more fun than attending an Italian Festival and/or restaurant and pub, same can be said for the Irish celebrations.

My Catholic faith has stayed with me and for many years I worked for Catholic organizations. There were many times through the years that my faith has not only saved me but sustained me.

I don’t even view it as “proud” but matter of factually that I was born and raised Italian, Irish and Catholic that’s just who I am, and has stayed with me for my entire life.