Maureen Ann Bernstein

Maureen Ann Bernstein, 73, died peacefully at her home in Sarasota, Florida on January 7, 2024, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family. The daughter of the late Senator Arthur Joseph Mullen and Mary Rose Mullen, she was born in New Bedford on April 7, 1950. Maureen grew up in Fairhaven, Massachusetts and graduated Bishop Stang High School in 1968. She then attended Northeastern University and that is where she met her partner for life, Elliot. After college they moved to rural Western, Massachusetts and started a family. Maureen finished her college coursework work at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where she received her Master of Public Health. Maureen raised her family in Greenfield, then later Gill, and went to work serving the community at Planned Parenthood for almost 20 years. In her spare time, Maureen was an excellent gardener, and a dedicated vegetarian cook and baker. Maureen was also an avid reader, and enjoyed swimming in the many ponds and lakes in the area, as well as frequent trips to Fairhaven and Cape Cod. In 2003, Maureen and Elliot relocated to Sarasota to enjoy all that Florida had to offer. In Sarasota, Maureen continued her work at Planned Parenthood then switched to healthcare administration roles at First Physicians Group and Sarasota Memorial Hospital. She also worked on the weekends at the family Auction Gallery. While in Sarasota, Maureen enjoyed long beach walks on Siesta Key, swimming, reading, yoga and playing with her grandchildren. Her superpowers included finding amazing seashells on the beach, including a real eye for fully intact sand dollars, and a true talent for hours of imaginative, child-like play that her grandchildren adored. Maureen is survived by her daughters and grandchildren; Annie Bernstein, son-in-law Greg Metzger, and grandchildren Mila & Elliot living in The Woodlands, Texas; Emily Bernstein, son-in-law Noam Paransky, and grandchildren Aiden & Riley living in Westport, Connecticut. She is also survived by her sisters; Kathleen Mullen & Eileen Mullen Cayer, her brothers; Michael, Patrick and Kevin Mullen; and loving in-laws; nieces; nephews; and dear friends. Her brother, Arthur J. Mullen, preceded Maureen in death. Maureen is preceded in death by her husband, Elliot Bernstein, whom she cared for at home along with her family, for over 5 years as he continued to live with ALS. Maureen was a fiercely private person who liked to keep things simple and often preferred a ‘supporting’ role in most of life’s activities. Maureen had a true gift of uplifting and enhancing every moment for those whom experienced her love through her steadfast presence and nurturing kindness. Maureen was your biggest fan when needed most. The family would like to request that all donations be made to Clearity Foundation/Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (www.ocrahope.org). ‘love is every moment that elevates the human experience and all the small things that make life shine’ – yung pueblo

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Maureen Ann Bernstein

April 7, 1950 - January 7, 2024