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Bernadette Carey Smith October 27, 1939 - December 5, 2022

Bernadette Carey Smith

 

 Bernadette Carey Smith of Bronxville on December 5, 2022.  Beloved Wife of Bruce Richard Smith (who preceded her in death).  Sister of Yvonne Sterioff.  Aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Born on October 27, 1939 to Dr. Jocelyn and Mrs. Mae Carey, Bernadette grew up in Mount Vernon, New York and attended Robert Fulton grammar school, Sacred Heart middle school, and Ursuline Academy High School. Bernadette graduated from Smith College in 1961 with a B.A. in History.

Bernadette had a notable career as a reporter for both the New York Times and the Washington Post, and later worked as an editor at Vogue magazine and as an associate producer with ABC News.  She also worked for the Johnson Publishing Company and as a free-lance writer and publisher before becoming a residential real estate agent in Bronxville.

Bernadette was an anglophile, an avid reader, and an aficionado of the visual and performing arts. She maintained lifetime connections with friends from Smith College, and was a supporter of the Bronxville Women’s Club.  Bernadette had a sharp intellect and a wit to match.  During her career she produced insightful commentary on politics, fashion and local events, interviewing and befriending many notable people during her lifetime. Bernadette was a trailblazer at a time when women of color were often relegated to lesser roles.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her honor to the Museum of Modern Art (www.moma.org).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her honor to the Museum of Modern Art (www.moma.org).

Condolences(14)

  1. REPLY
    Maurice Werdegar says

    Our deepest condolences on your family’s loss. Maurice & Helen Werdegar

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    Lisa Jensen says

    What an amazing woman and full life. ❤️

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      Aulana L Peters says

      Our deepest sympathy and most sincere condolences on your loss.

      Bruce and Aulana Peters

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    susan french says

    Bernadette loved her family and was so proud of all of her nieces and nephews and spoke of them often over the years. She was a beautiful, complex, and very bright woman with a marvelous wit who will be missed. susie french

  4. REPLY
    Kate and John Henry says

    Will always cherish our times together at Smith and the years I worked with her to perfect her Bronxville home. My business partner and I had to work very hard to satisfy Bernadette’s impeccable taste. Our Smith buddies enjoyed many a reunion in NYC. Much love and prayerful thoughts to her family.

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      Carol Westrich says

      Our hearts go out to Yvonne and Syl, Scott and Lisa, Nikki and Paul, and Mark. We are sending our love and our deepest sympathy.
      Carol and Dick

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    Alison MacMillan says

    Bernadette was one of my good friends at Smith. I will always remember our times there and in New York.

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    Christine Naumann Gandel says

    I remember fondly all the wonderful times we had a Baldwin House at Smith. Bernadette was always so full of life and fun. A real pioneer in the 50s and 60s and all the more special for all that she has accomplished since then. Love to all of her family.

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    Adine Ray Usher says

    I was stunned and saddened to learn of the passing of my gentle friend. Our lunches in Bronxville, the concerts at the Bronxville Women’s Club, visits to galleries in Chelsea and our long, political conversations will all be deeply missed. My deepest condolences go to Scott who cared for Bernadette so beautifully and to Yvonne who had such a lovely relationship with her sister.

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    Gail Reifsnyder says

    Bernadette was always and elegant,self assured lady who had a gret wit and was looked up to by many of the underclassmen in Baldwin house at Smith. She went on to accomplish much . Love and sympathy to her family.

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    Richard Brown says

    Condolences to the family on the passing of my godmother Bernadette. I am so happy that were able to share wonderful moments together over the years and will always be grateful to her for helping my wife and I find our wonderful home. May she rest in peace.

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    Judy Bowman says

    Bernadette and I were best friends for almost 50 years. Although we were both history majors at Smith at the same time, we didn’t actually meet until the mid 1970s in Chicago where we lived on the same floor.

    So many memories of skipping through the Indiana dunes, partying in Chicago and NYC and visits by Bernadette and Bruce to my various country houses. On one visit, we were bombarded by moths. And so thereafter, Bernadette called my house ” La Motha “and I was the Countess “La Motha”.

    I will miss her wit and wisdom …and her steadfast friendship.

    Love to Yvonne, Scott and all her beloved family.

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    Mary Schlendorf says

    Will always remember Bernadette’s kindness to me on my first day at College: She ascertained that I was unfamiliar with the campus, took me on a tour, made sure that I was correctly registered, and knew where my first class would be. All while, making me feel right at home! She had a gifted way with people to put them at their ease. She will be missed. I’m sorry that I didn’t have a chance to thank her one last time for all the kindnesses she has shown me. Love and peace to her family.
    Mary Schlendorf

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    Patrice Gaines says

    I did not know Bernadette. But as a Black woman who is a former Washington Post reporter, I owe her much. Thank you Bernadette for being brave enough to kick open the door. Thank you. Thank you

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