Sister Bernadette Marie Kenney, CSJ, (Sister James Ellen) in the 72nd year as a beloved member of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Boston, died Monday, February 2, 2026. Devoted daughter of the late James Francis and Mary Ellen (Troy) Kenney, and loving sister of the late James and John Kenney, and beloved friend of the late Gail Ripley, CSJ. Sister Bernadette is survived by her cherished nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, her devoted friend, Alice Kirby, CSJ, and her Sisters in the Congregation. Formerly missioned as a teacher at St. Theresa School, West Roxbury; and from 1954 to 1994, Sister Bernadette ministered at Boston School for the Deaf in Randolph as teacher, secretary and Executive Director. She then served as administrator at Fontbonne Convent in Milton and Fontbonne Halll in Framingham.
Visiting hours at Holy Family Chapel, Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse, 631 Cambridge Street, Brighton, MA, Monday, February 9, 2026, 9:15 to 10:00 a.m. Prayer Service at 10:00 a.m. followed by the Funeral Mass and Prayers of Final Commendation at the Motherhouse at 10:15 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery, 180 Pond Street, Natick, MA.
Arrangements by Norton, McKinney and Lawler Funeral Home, Framingham.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Sisters of Saint Joseph, c/o Mission Advancement, 637 Cambridge St., Brighton, MA 02135.
McCarthy, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home