Sister Bernarda Breidenbach, O.S.U.

Sister Bernarda Breidenbach, OSU (Carol Ann Breidenbach), 78, a dedicated educator and administrator in the Diocese of Toledo, died January 27, 2025 at Rosary Care Center in Sylvania, Ohio. Sister Bernarda was the daughter of the late Bernard and Anna (Kimmet) Breidenbach. Born and raised on a farm in Tiffin, Ohio, Sister Bernarda and her family were parishioners at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Tiffin. She entered the Ursuline Convent of the Sacred Heart in September of 1964. Sister Bernarda graduated from St. Ursula Academy, Toledo, Ohio in 1964. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the former Mary Manse College in 1973, a Master's degree in Religious Studies from Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1979, and an Administration Certification from the University of Toledo. She also pursued advanced studies courses at Dayton University and Bowling Green State University. Holding a special fondness for children and teachers, including parish ministry, Sister Bernarda spent her entire teaching and principalship career in the Diocese of Toledo Catholic schools. She taught at St. John in Point Place, St. Mary in Tiffin, Good Shepherd in Oregon, as well as St. Patrick of Heatherdowns and St. Agnes in Toledo. Sister Bernarda then held principal positions at Queen of Peace (now known as Queen of Apostles) in Toledo, Immaculate Conception in Bellevue, and St. Richard School in Swanton. Recognized for her dedication, Sister Bernarda was named "One of Ten Outstanding Teachers in the Toledo Diocese" in 1980 and "Outstanding Administrator/Principal" for the entire Toledo area by the Toledo Association for the Education of Young Children in 2006. Sister Bernarda's vocation to teach became apparent early in her youth. In an old chicken coop on her family farm, Carol would try to hold 'class' for a few of her brothers using a stick as a pointer on a makeshift easel. Her 'students' now light-heartedly take credit for helping Sister Bernarda hone her attributes of patience and perseverance for what would become a lifetime of teaching and ministry. In addition to classroom teaching, principalship and parish ministry, Sister Bernarda could be found cheering her students on at sporting events, working on festival planning or rooting for the Michigan Wolverines. She enjoyed traveling to places such as Europe and taking river cruises, and the fishing pole she kept in her trunk of her car afforded her quiet reflection and relaxation at the local reservoir. Sister Bernarda served as Councilor on the leadership team of the Toledo Ursulines from 2006 - 2010 and 2020 - 2022, and as President from 2010 - 2014. She was close to her family whom she loved dearly, especially all her nieces and nephews, offering advice on various issues they faced. Family gatherings were not to be missed. The more recent past presented new challenges to her health and mobility. True to her character and vocation, Sister Bernarda turned the page to a new ministry - providing care and hope to fellow residents at Rosary Care Center. Aboard her motorized wheelchair, she visited and ministered to others with her positive attitude. Sister Bernarda is survived by her sister Marilyn (Edwin) Kokosky, brothers Marion (Gayle) Breidenbach, James (Diana) Breidenbach, Bernard (Sharon) Breidenbach, Jr., and Kenneth (Betty) Breidenbach, her loving nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews, and the Sisters and the Associates of the Ursuline Community. Memorials may be made to the Ursuline Convent, St. Ursula Academy or Make-A-Wish Foundation. Visitation will be on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, beginning at 5 p.m. at Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd., Toledo, with a Scripture Vigil at 7 p.m. The Vigil will be live streamed at https://youtube.com/live/8KIqRDPeRbM?feature=share Visitation will continue on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Patrick of Heatherdowns Church, 4201 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo, with a Mass of Resurrection beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will be at 3 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, S. Washington St., Tiffin, Ohio. Please sign the guest register at CoyleFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are by Coyle Funeral Home.

Tributes

Sister Bernarda Breidenbach, O.S.U.

November 6, 1946 - January 27, 2025