Dr. Maxine “Mac” Bernard, PhD, age 74, of Avon, Connecticut died Monday, February 15, 2009, in her home. Born in Selma, Alabama, to Alfred and Maxine Liepold, Mac lived a distinguished life of fierce dedication to family and service to those in need, with a joyous spirit and a gift for making the impossible possible. Early in life, as a student and young adult in Alabama, Mac’s maturity, determination and progressive perspective drew others to her side as a role model and leader. From 1967 to 1995, as a highly regarded clinical psychologist and the Internship Programs Coordinator at Memphis State University’s Center for Student Development, Mac single-handedly established the University’s only APA approved doctoral internship program, while guiding thousands of students through the emotional dilemmas of early adulthood. In doing so, Mac was recognized by colleagues and students for her compassion, her clinical savvy and her calm in emergencies that saved countless lives.
Mac led a principled life that was grounded in uncompromising ethics like her parents before her, and drove her to fight for a fair and just world for women and children. Mac helped instill these same principles in her own children. Later in life when challenged by ALS, Mac chose life over limitations, prizing her independence, controlling every facet of her existence, and overcoming insurmountable odds each day with determination and dignity, while always finding ways to inspire others through her indomitable courage and optimism.
Mac will be remembered for her unconditional love of family, her altruism, her passion for life, her kind words, her forgiveness, strength and grace… and for her sweet loving smile that we will miss until we are reunited. Humanity is better for her life…
Mac is survived by her brother, Al Liepold, her three sons, Scott, Brett and John Bernard, their father Larry Bernard, and her 10 healthy, happy grandchildren, Kierin, Scott Devan, Sheridan, Ansley, Sarah, Blake, Luke, Charlotte, Matthew and Lauren Bernard. Mac will be laid to rest next to her son Tod, her parents, and generations of other family members who rejoice in their reunion. Memories and celebrations may be sent to the family via www.lawrencebrownservice.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National ALS Association (888) 949-2577, www.alsa.org. Services for Dr. Mac Bernard will be conducted at the Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home, 2900 Citizens Parkway, Selma, Alabama (334-872-2301) from 12-2 PM this Saturday (2/21).