If you’ve ever crossed paths with Bernie Walsh, you know she’s the kind of person who lights up a room. She’s got a soft spot for Elvis, a quick wit for a good joke, and never says no to a bite of chocolate.

Born near the Jersey Shore in New York on December 3, 1930, Bernie is the eldest of six—a natural caretaker from the start. Even as a child, she made it her mission to look after not just her siblings, but every kid on the block. Bernie always believed that children are the heart of the future, and she made sure every child she knew felt loved and cared for.

Bernie’s work ethic and big heart took her far. She earned a full scholarship to Mount St. Ursula, a prestigious private Catholic school, and managed to graduate in just three years—a day she still counts as one of her proudest.

Love found Bernie in the most classic of ways: checking the mailbox. She and Daniel Walsh lived in the same apartment building and, as fate would have it, shared a mailbox. Daniel knew right away that Bernie was the one, and after a love-at-first-sight moment, the two were married for 63 happy years. Their family grew to four children—Dan, Edward, and Patricia, who visit often, and one beloved son who passed away as an infant—and now includes 29 grandchildren and great-grandchildren that Bernie treasures beyond words.

For more than five decades, Bernie worked at Macy’s in the cosmetics department, retiring at age 79. She loved making her customers smile, jotting on their receipts, “If it’s not fun, don’t go there,” and calling after them, “And if you have to go there, make it fun!” Her gift for laughter and kindness made every shopping trip a little brighter.

Bernie’s faith and family are her compass. She starts each day with a prayer, dedicating it to the Lord and her loved ones. Her favorite saying is, “If this is it, we will let it be.” And if you ever need a laugh, Bernie’s your gal—she’s even published a book of her favorite jokes, always ready for visitors to enjoy.

Stop by Bernie’s apartment, say hello, and you’ll leave with a smile—and maybe a new joke to share.