Bernadette Herbstritt

Bernadette Clair Herbstritt of East Springfield formerly of Erie, PA died at home on February 2, 2026, at the age of 81. She was preceded in death by her late husband of 57 years, Thomas, her parents Ward and Henrietta Goldsmith, siblings James Goldsmith and JoAnn Seager Silverman, and nephew Chris Seager, siblings-in-law Patricia Roth, John/Jack Herbstritt and his wife Betty, Ken Herbstritt, Joanne Herbstritt and Margaret Goldsmith.

The Wozniaks were her maternal family, and the Holder clan, having raised her father, were her extended paternal family.
Bernie is survived by sisters-in-law Joyce Rowane, Peggy DeLaura and Sally DiBacco (Richard); niece Susan George (Charles) and children Jacob (Taylor) [their children: Caleb (5) and Luke (3)], Isaac (Sarah) and Lydia; nephew James (Tanya) Goldsmith and children Jaqueline (Justin Young), Seth (Christa), and Nathan (Jeni); brother-in-law Louis Silverman; niece Pam Latour (Gilles) family and children Ian, Erin, Dylan, Ryan and Andrew; nephew Greg Seager (Candi) family with child Corinne (Montgomery); Rick Seager (Trish) family with children Kelly (Mike) and Heidi (Evan); Brandon and Austin of Chris Seager; and many great great nephews and nieces in the USA and Europe.
Bernie graduated from St. Benedict Academy. She was self-employed in Erie as a drapery maker. The windows of many homes (including her own) were adorned with her handiwork. Later, she worked for Hoffman’s book store and Stro’s greenhouse. She was a masterful cook, and took pride in hosting dinner – especially Christmas Eve, New Years Day and Fourth of July. Great nieces and nephews could count on a panoply of hand-made chocolates, cookies – especially pizzelles, and other holiday treats. Any visitor could count on a full cookie jar (the location of which nieces and nephews learned early in childhood).
She traveled the countryside with her husband and friends. Back roads were a preferred route to anywhere. She enjoyed the Lake Erie shore, camping and card club gatherings into the wee hours of the night. For years, Tom & Bernie were active members of the Lake Country Cloggers participating in competitions throughout the Eastern corridor from New Hampshire to Nashville and Peabody FL.
Bernie cherished her pets, and homes have been found for dog Zoe, elder cat Bootsie, and kittens Peaches and Gus.
A celebration of life will be held at Camp Fitch's Trinity Chapel, North Springfield, PA on March 28, 2026, 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. 

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