Secretary Treasurer's Report

June 2008

On February 22, 2008 Vice President/Union Representative, and my good friend Bernadette Warren, passed away. In this issue of the Register, rather than my normal report, I would like to pay tribute to the life of Bernadette Warren.

                Bernadette Warren was born on January 28, 1959 and lived in Hicksville, Long Island with her daughter Erin and son Matthew. She also had the privilege of nurturing her two young grandchildren, Ashley and Sean. Her oldest daughter Therese lives in California.

                Bernadette began her career in the Retail Food Industry working for King Kullen Grocery Company as an Assistant Manager. In 1989 she joined the staff of Local 1500 as an Organizer. She later became a Union Representative and serviced members in Queens, Manhattan, Nassau and parts of Suffolk County. She was devoted to her members and worked unselfishly on their behalf.

                In December of 1996 Ms. Warren was appointed as a Vice President on the Local 1500 Executive Board. She was also an active member of the UFCW Women's Network and encouraged female members to become more involved in union activities, thus strengthening their union.

                Bernadette had a passion for helping underprivileged children and spent a lot of her personal time volunteering and coordinating toy drives for the John Theissen Foundation for Children and the St. Mary's Hospital for Children. She also participated in fundraising drives for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, as well as Breast Cancer Walks for the American Cancer Society.

                Bernadette Warren was an extraordinary and caring individual and will be sorely missed by the entire staff of Local 1500 and the members she represented. Our deepest sympathies to Therese, Erin, Matthew, Ashley, Sean, and to Bernadette's entire family and friends.

                The best way I can think of to remember Bernadette is in the words of her eulogy written by her daughter Erin below:

"I'm probably not going to say anything that anyone doesn't already know. My mother was an incredible, amazing woman. She was such a huge part of so many things. Everything my mom was involved in she gave 110%. She was committed to her job and everything that it entailed; she took part in extracurricular activities of all her children over the years, but most of all she was dedicated to being a mother. Not only was she a hard working woman and a phenomenal mother but she was also a loving daughter, a remarkable sister, fantastic Nana, wonderful friend and so much more to so many others. There's not one person she crossed paths with that she didn't leave a lasting impression on. I have 23 years of memories with my mommy some not so good but the majority are just nothing but happy times. God may have chosen to take my mom physically from me, from us all, but she will always remain in our hearts and minds. I know every person she knew can look back and remember so many great times they spent with her.
            Mom was the type of woman to help anyone and everyone who she loved to the best of her abilities. She gave and gave and didn't expect much in return just a vacuumed living room floor or no dishes in the sink and maybe if she was really lucky not to trip over scattered toys. And now that I think about it, it wasn't too much to ask. There are not too many people I can think of that would put up with half the things my mother did, especially when it came to her darling children and grandchildren. She had a huge heart.
          When she first got sick I had to step up to the plate and "hold down the fort" as she would say. It was tough for me but I knew God would never give me anything I can't handle. I'll admit there were some stressful times but since my mother's death I've heard nothing but so many good things she told people about me and how during this very hard time, I was her rock. I think the reason I was able to be that for her was because for all of my life my mommy was my rock and there was nothing she wouldn't do for me or anyone else for that matter. Everyone takes comfort in knowing you are now in a much better place and you have been reunited with grandma and grandpa. I love you, we all do, and you will be greatly missed.
        Bernadette Warren, my dear mother, was the strongest woman I ever met and I can only pray that one day I can be half as strong as she was. Rest in Peace Mommy!"

      I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff of Local 1500, who have been so supportive to me and my family throughout this ordeal. Special thanks also to the companies, members, associates and friends who attended my mom's wake and funeral or said a kind word by way of sympathy cards. Please know that in spite of my grief and loss, your kindness have not gone unappreciated. Words are not enough to thank each and everyone of you!