Anne Marie Bernay

Anne Marie Herrmann Bernay, 56, passed away on June 6, 2021 in Houston, Texas after surviving cancer for nine years. Her final days were spent surrounded by her loving husband, children, family, and friends, celebrating her son’s recent high school graduation. She was born on February 20, 1965 in Detroit, Michigan to Paul Phillip and Edythe Anne (Bosak) Herrmann. Anne is survived by her husband Steven Blase Bernay, daughter Clare Justine Bernay, and son Peter Jacob Bernay; her father Paul Phillip Herrmann, Sr; sisters, Karen Lynn (Herrmann) Shipley and Nancy Beth Herrmann Mueller (Scott); brother, Paul Phillip Herrmann Jr. (Amy); nephews, Andrew Broom, Michael Bernay, Justin Gibbs, Mitchell Horstman, Alec Horstman, Logan Wyatt Mueller; nieces, Ruth (Bernay) Lim and Sophia Avery Mueller; and many extended family members and friends.

Anne grew up in South Lyon, Michigan and was Valedictorian of South Lyon High School Class of 1983.  She earned a BSE in Chemical Engineering from University of Michigan in 1987.  After graduation Anne held numerous roles in the oil and gas industry including roles at Exxon -Baytown, TX refinery; Senior Manager at Arthur D. Little, and Consultant at PRTM Management Consultants. She left the consulting business to begin her most loved role as mother to Clare and Peter while she pursued her passion and talents for nonprofit work.

Anne’s passion was supporting and advocating educational, special needs, religious, and community programs and services. Anne and Steve joined Team in Training to fundraise for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation. She completed three marathons in San Diego, Alaska and Houston in support of the foundation. Anne became a Big Brother Big Sister and worked in the administration of the organization.

Anne’s greatest advocacy endeavor began when she started volunteering at The Rise School of Houston, supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As her knowledge and passion expanded her roles and organizations increased. Anne joined the Down Syndrome Association of Houston (DSAH) where she helped organized the “Buddy Walk” fundraiser and designed and facilitated parent training programs. She was recognized with “Buddy of the Year” award. Through her work with the DSAH, Anne recognized the need for a local Down Syndrome organization in Clear Lake which led to her co-founding and leading the Greater Clear Lake Families Exploring Down Syndrome nonprofit. She organized fundraisers such as the “StepUp Walk” and received recognition with the “At the Helm Award.” Anne’s passion for advocacy led her to further broaden her scope by founding the Special Education PTA for Clear Creek ISD (SEPTA) which she held various leadership roles and was awarded the SEPTA Star Award.

Her drive and talent enabled her to embrace many organizations important to her and her family. Her volunteer work included passing on her love of scouting to her children by serving as a Girl Scout Troop leader for 10 years and coordinating the flag fundraising program for Boy Scout Troop 870.  She spent several years as a Clear Lake High School Band Booster, leading and organizing the “Bites at the Lake” fundraiser. She devoted countless hours in supporting St. Bernadette Catholic Church food pantry. Anne just recently began volunteering at the Houston Botanic Garden to enjoy her love of gardening.

Anne loved the outdoors, growing up camping every summer with her family. She carried this forward with her children, spending family vacations camping, hiking, kayaking, and canoeing. Just as she had done with her other passions, she recently immersed herself in birding and quickly became an expert birder. She would take her family on many birding adventures so she could add more “lifers” to her list. Her backyard bird feeders were a haven for all birds (and squirrels).  If indoors, Anne was usually reading, crafting, crocheting, sewing, or baking.  Her love of family enticed her to become a Certified Lineage Specialist, tracing the family tree back many generations.  She spent hours with her father and daughter getting licensed as an Amateur Ham Radio Operator and competing in ham radio contests. Anne had an endless excitement for exploring new places, hobbies, and adventures with her family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 10, 2021 at Crowder Funeral Home, 111 E. Medical Center Blvd, Webster, Texas from 6 pm – 8pm with a rosary at 6:30 pm. The funeral mass will be held on Friday at 11:00 am at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 15500 El Camino Real, Houston, Texas 77062 followed by burial at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery, 7801 Gulf Freeway, Dickinson, Texas 77539. There will be a luncheon at St. Bernadette Catholic Church following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in Anne’s memory may do so to Armand Bayou Nature Preserve, 8500 Bay Area Blvd, Pasadena, Texas 77507. https://www.abnc.org/donate.

26 comments

  1. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

    Jennifer Hammock
  2. Rest In Peace, Anne! 🙏🏻 We are blessed to have known you and your family!

    Mayet Villar
  3. Anne was an incredible woman, mother and niece. She will be missed by all that knew her, and never forgotten.

    Steve & Tricia Bosak
  4. May she fly on eagles wings into the loving arms of our Lord. My prayers are with you all.

    Marilyn Othon
  5. Steve Anne was truly a treasure and will be missed. She had a true servants heart. We I’ll be praying for you and your family. John

    John A. James
  6. Steve, Clare and Peter,
    Julie and I are saddened by your loss but are encouraged that she is healed and in our Father’s loving arms where you will one day be reunited.
    – Scoutmaster Mike

    Mike Lovelace
  7. Thanking Jesus for the blessing of Ann’s life and example. Through our tears, we are comforted that she is “safely home,”welcomed by the angels in heaven. One day, she will welcome us as well. Praying the peace of Christ, our only cimfort. Love and condolences.

    ALEXA BATES
  8. Sending prayers to The Bernay Family! F. R. O. G. I have wonderful memories of Anne, my sister in Christ!

    Courtney Fossati
  9. Rest In Peace, Anne. Prayers for peace & comfort to the Bernay family, at this difficult time.

    Sarah & Paul Mathai
  10. Our family is holding you all in our hearts. Anne was an amazing woman and we were blessed to have her in our lives.

    The Webb Family
  11. Anne will be remembered as an amazing, strong woman of great faith who loved her family deeply. My thoughts are prayers are with you.

    Marianne Bartos
  12. To my friend who I admire so much. I will miss our lunches when you always taught me something. We miss you, Kathie and Michelle

    Kathie Longrigg
  13. I am so sorry to hear about Ann. I always enjoyed seeing her when I worked at St Bernadette’s. May she Rest In Peace. I pray that the three of you are doing as well as can be expected you are in my thoughts and prayers

    Vicki Forrest

    Vicki Forrest
  14. Dear Steve, Clare and Peter,
    Anne was a true “force of nature”. She was smart, disciplined, generous – a born leader. Regardless of her great achievements and committments outside her family life, you were always the most important and most loved people in her world. She refused to submit because she loved you so much.We will miss her very much. May God grant eternal peace to her soul.

    Blanka Brhlik
  15. With out Anne’s driving force we would not have so many resources for families with special needs children. Anytime I had a question or needed advice, I knew I could always ask Anne. She will be missed by so many.

    Elizabeth Haas
    • I was privileged to get to know Ann at an Act’s Retreat at St.B’s. She was an exceptional woman and I admired her. My sympathy is with her family. Hugs and love, Bev Gebhart

      Bev Gebhart
    • What an incredible life. Anne was an inspiration. May you find peace knowing that she did lots, lived much, and touched many. Well done Anne. Rest in the joy of the Lord forevermore.

      Adriana Herrera
  16. Rest In Peace dear Anne. You used your time on earth well and I have no doubt you are going to make an awesome angel. Prayers of comfort and peace for your wonderful family.

    Tracy Fillip
  17. Anne . . . such a beautiful soul. Your light has touched so many. May God comfort the hearts of your family with peace and understanding.

    Georgette & Chris Curran
  18. I feel blessed that I got to meet Anne and work with her on several band events. Praying for the family!

    Melissa LaVoy
  19. Steve, Clare and Peter, We are sorry for your lost. The Slater’s family.

    Jessica Slater
  20. On behalf of Boy Scout Troop 870, we express our condolences on Anne’s passing. We are all thankful to have served with her in all the troop’s activities. She was always so positive and an inspiration to all the scouts and adults.
    We pray for peace and comfort for the Bernay family.

    Erich Klein
  21. Sorry to hear about your loss your family is in our thoughts and prayers during the days ahead.

    Michele and Magi Klages

    Michele Klages
  22. I came across this obituary becomes of my involvement in GHFEDS. Wow what a life!!!!

    I wish I could of been blessed to have known Anne. She is definitely an inspiration on how to live life well: full of dedication, devotion, and love. I am sure that her family is comforted knowing that she is in Jesus hands now.

    Heidi M Harrelson
  23. My sincere condolences to Anne’s family. She was a true warrior in her fight against cancer and in assisting so many families with loved ones with Down syndrome. I will miss our talks. I know you’ve run into Rosa up there are are planning something special.

    I’ll miss you.

    Belinda Gaddis
  24. Anne, we will miss you! you were a loving , kind mother, wife, and friend. My sincere condolence to Bernary’s family. Her beautify life touch me deeply. May God comfort and bless her family.

    Shauna & Steven Yin

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