Sister Elizabeth Marie Fitzpatrick (Sister Mary Bernard) of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, died on September 12, 2011 in West Hartford. Sister Elizabeth entered the Sisters of Mercy on September 8, 1955 and was professed on June 28, 1958. Born July 14, 1929 in Springfield, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of Joseph and Marie (Smith) Fitzpatrick. Sister Elizabeth is survived by her brother, Thomas of Hartford, an uncle James P. Fitzpatrick of Quincy, MA., her nephew and his wife, Kevin and Beth Costello and their daughters Meghan and Kelsey of Oyster Bay, Long Island, cousins, Donald Fay of Vernon and Carolyn Klopsis of Bayshore, Long Island. Sister Elizabeth was predeceased by her sister, Joan Costello and niece, Eileen Costello. Sister Elizabeth graduated from Mount Saint Joseph Academy. She received a B.A. Degree from Saint Joseph College, West Hartford, CT and a M.A. from Boston College. During the course of her life Sister taught in several schools throughout the state including St. Joseph Cathedral in Hartford as well as Lauralton Hall High School, Milford, St. Mary High School, Greenwich, Mercy High School, Middletown, South Catholic High School, Hartford, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School, New Britain and Diocesan Teacher's College in Madison. Sister Elizabeth loved her God, her family, her religious community, her many faithful and loyal friends, and all animals. She will always be remembered for her great kindness and compassion, especially toward the sick and those in need. A devoted teacher to so many students, Sister Elizabeth enjoyed keeping in touch with her former colleagues and students. An avid reader, she could converse on any topic and always enjoyed a good discussion. She was always adventurous and enjoyed celebrating with family and friends, going to movies and attending the theater. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, September 15 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Mary Home, West Hartford. This will be preceded by calling hours at St. Mary Home from 3:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Burial will be on Friday, September 16 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Mary Cemetery, West Hartford. Donations in Sister's memory may be made to the Sisters of Mercy 55 East Cedar Street, Newington, CT 06111. To share a memory with the family, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com