Bernadette Pascale

Bernadette (Thibault) Pascale, 78, of Rindge, NH, passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Scott Farrar after a period of declining health. Though Alzheimer’s gradually changed her memory, it never diminished the love she gave or the impact she made. Her family remained by her side throughout her illness, honoring her with the same devotion she had shown them.

Born in Greenville, New Hampshire to Cyrille and Cecile (Duclos) Thibault, she lived for 40 years in the Greenville and New Ipswich communities before making her home in Brewster and Holmes, New York for 24 years. She returned to Rindge, NH in 2012 to enjoy retirement.

Bernadette graduated from Appleton Academy in 1965 and married Jean-Marc Baril in 1967. Together, they welcomed their daughter, Gisele. While their paths later diverged, they shared in the early years building a family in the Greenville community.

Throughout her life, she was driven by a desire to serve others, strengthen relationships, and build community. She worked as an office administrator and dental assistant before joining the local police department following the birth of her daughter. Working closely with the chief, she helped develop operating procedures and protocols, studied law, and wrote briefs that Justice Taft once remarked were “of such quality that one would think they were prepared by an attorney.” She served as a police officer for six years and played a key role in planning and executing the town’s new police station. During this time, she also served on the board of the newly formed Souhegan Valley Ambulance and on the Sacred Heart Parish Council.

She returned to school to earn her master’s degree in social work and devoted her career to counseling others at Catholic Charities in Manchester, NH; Northern Westchester Hospital in Mt. Kisco, NY; Putnam Hospital in Carmel, New York and through her own private practice. She developed close relationships with many of her co-workers. Eventually her creativity and eye for beauty led her to establish her own silk-flower design business, Petal Pleasures and Other Treasures, bringing joy to many through her thoughtful and beautiful arrangements.

Bernadette married her husband Carmine in 1988, and they shared 37 years of marriage. Together they lived fully—loving family and friends, traveling, entertaining, and bringing joy to one another. It was on trips to Quebec and Paris that her knowledge of the French language proved to be invaluable. Unfortunately Alzheimer's began to take its toll, and after caring for her at home for five years, Carmine made the difficult decision to move her into Memory Care at Scott Farrar where she was able to receive the care she needed.

Above all, Bernadette’s greatest joy was her family. As a mother, she raised her daughter, Gisele, to think independently and make her own decisions. She loved without condition—there was never a doubt of that love. She rarely accepted “I don’t know” without gently asking, “If you did know, what would you say?” In doing so, she taught her daughter to think deeply, trust her instincts, and stand confidently in her choices. She was a steady listener, a quiet encourager, and a lifelong source of strength.

Even after moving to New York, she and Carmine made frequent trips back to New Hampshire to spend weekends with family and remain deeply involved in the lives of her grandchildren. They delighted in creating meaningful experiences, including introducing the grandchildren to experience the excitement of Broadway and New York City together. Many family vacations were spent in New York, creating memories and bonds that will endure. She also treasured a long-standing mother-daughter tradition: one dedicated weekend each fall set aside just for the two of them, exploring communities throughout New England during these priceless one-on-one excursions.

In addition to Carmine, she is survived by her daughter Gisele and son-in-law David of Temple, NH; her son Patrick and daughter-in-law Linda of Texas; her grandchildren Joshua Brundige, Jacob (Caeli) Thibault, Emilee Thibault of New Hampshire, and Gabriella (Trevor) Riser, Jonathan Pascale and Paige Pascale of Texas; her great-grandchildren Vivienne and Bodhi of New Hampshire and Kaylee and Axton “Ty” of Texas; her younger brother Cy (Sylvia) Thibault of New Hampshire; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved dog, Fritz.

She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Albert, her sisters Rita, Rose-Alma, and Beatrice; nephews Albert, Dennis and Maurice; her mother and father-in-law Patsey and Josie Pascale; and her beloved puppy, Charlie.

Bernadette also cherished lifelong friendships, including her high-school best friend Betsy (Mike) Hall of New Hampshire and Peg Garvey-Mitchell of New Jersey who she met during her time at Catholic Charities.

The family wishes to thank the loving staff of The Gardens at Scott Farrar in Peterborough NH and Sharon and her team from Hospice at HCS for their compassionate care during the final chapter of Bernadette’s beautiful life.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Divine Mercy Parish, 12 Church Street, Peterborough, New Hampshire at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 28, 2026, with light refreshments to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Bernadette’s memory to support Alzheimer’s research in hope of a future free from this disease.