Ida Bernstein, 94

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CRANSTON, R.I. – Ida Bernstein, of Hoffman Avenue in Cranston, died peacefully in her home March 17. She was the beloved wife of the late Morris Bernstein for 55 years.  She was born in Providence, daughter of the late David and Bessie Lerner.  Before moving to Cranston in 1950, she was a graduate of the old Hope High School.

In her early years, she worked as a legal secretary. She worked for many years in the office of her late brother, Dr. Leonard Lerner, and later at Rhode Island College. She was a two-time breast cancer survivor.

She was a life member of Hadassah, a former member of Temple Torat Yisrael and a founding member of the former Cranston Jewish Community Center and Temple B'nai Torah. She was an avid mahjong player, a bowler, a volunteer at Rhode Island Hospital, and an usher at the Providence Performing Arts Center for many years.

She was a fierce and devoted mother, always selfless, sacrificing everything possible for her children. She always did what was right, not what was easy. 

She is survived by her children, Myron (Arlene) of Cranston; David (Cindy) of West Greenwich; and Betsy (Gene) Brody of Atlanta, Georgia. She was a loving grandmother to Lauren (Garrett) Ratner of Dallas, Texas; Kevin McKinney of Atlanta, Georgia; and Dr. Megan Bernstein of New York City; and great-grandmother to Deklyn and Maren Ratner; and aunt to Lee, David and Larry Lerner.

The family is grateful that for the last three years; she had a peaceful and pain-free time and extend our thanks to her wonderful caregivers Shawna Rioux and Tracy Johnson who were devoted to her and also loved her to the end. 

Contributions may be made in her memory to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (bcrf.org or 646-497-2600). 

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