Published on: Thursday, February 16, 2012

By Mary McHale

Bernie Gilchrist, Red Cross volunteer for 30 years, dies at 93

Ella Bernadette “Bernie” Gilchrist of Auth Village, volunteer for more than 30 years with the Red Cross and Angel Flight at Joint Base Andrews, died Jan. 24. She was 93.

She was born in McKeesport, Pa., one of the seven children of Anna and Bela Winter. She graduated from McKeesport High School and what was then called Indiana State Teachers College, Indiana, Pa., and was a teacher. She married a member of the U.S. Air Force, Hugh Clifford “Cliff” Gilchrist, in 1945, and moved with him until his last assignment brought them to Auth Village in 1963.

She worked as a court stenographer for the U.S. Department of Defense and after retiring, she became a Red Cross volunteer at Andrews’ Malcolm Grow Hospital and with Angel Flight, an aero-medical staging facility for returning wounded troops.

Several years ago she told me how the Angel Flight volunteers helped the injured veterans. She said they’d often arrive with just the clothes on their backs. Volunteers provided fresh clothing, toiletries, bags for their belongings and other items. Bernie said what she did most, however, was talk and listen to the veterans.

“They have awful stories,” she said, “Some are in casts, are burned, have been hit by shrapnel or have lost limbs.”

She was a devoted parishioner at St. Philip’s Church, where she served on the Parish Pastoral Council and as prefect of the Sodality. She was a regular at the annual retreat and attended Mass daily, often leading the rosary. Her favorite place on the parish grounds was the Grotto of Our Lady, which she donated in honor of her late husband Cliff, who died in 1991.

Several loving nieces and nephews survive her. Mass of Christian Burial was at St. Philip’s Church with burial at Cheltenham.

Neighbors

Andrea Roane, weekday morning news anchor for WUSA9, spoke to St. Philip’s School students during Catholic Schools Week in January. She talked about attending Catholic schools in her native New Orleans, her work and the organizations she supports.

Helen Fadness, of Skyline, works in the library at Grace Brethren Christian School in Clinton. The library has moved into the new Library Wing, featuring a two-story library, several classrooms and a teachers’ lounge. Janet White, head librarian, and Helen were on hand to give tours Jan. 29 when the facility was dedicated.

Betty Cottrell, of Skyline, received the St. Philip’s School Volunteer of the Year on Feb. 3.

Coming up

Historic African-American Sites in Prince George’s County will be discussed at the Upper Marlboro Branch Library, Feb. 25 at 2 p.m.

A free Pet Loss Grief Workshop will be held Feb. 21 at the Animal Services Facility, 3750 Brown Station Rd. in Upper Marlboro, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Topics will include understanding your grief and learning how to cope. Participants are encouraged to bring a photograph of their pet. To register, call 301-780-7201.

The Department of Parks and Recreation is seeking county residents age 90 and older. A spring event, with special recognition of centenarians, is being planned. Call 301-446-3400 before Feb. 27.

May they rest in peace

Theodore Roosevelt Sample Sr., 81, a 22-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force and Army, died Jan. 24. He was a longtime Skyline resident and former Citizens Association officer. Born in Hacksneck, Va., he graduated from Strayer College and on married Emily on June 7, 1956. Following military service he was a financial examiner at the Securities and Exchange Commission. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Emily; children, Theodore Jr., Kevin M., Kevin B., Veverly, Janet and Janice; four siblings and nine grandchildren. Service was at Brighter Day Ministries with burial at Cheltenham.

Stephen John Caracciolo, 56, a 1973 graduate of McNamara High School who grew up in District Heights, died Dec. 30. He graduated from the University of Maryland and was a contracts professional with the Navy and the Marine Corps for 36 years. Survivors include his wife of 22 years, Laura; daughters Dana and Jenna, twin sons Michael and Tony; his parents, Leonard and Janette, and sisters Cathy and Patty. Services were at First Zion Baptist Church in Dumfries. In his Senior Class Will at McNamara, he offered “2001 ways to spell Caracciolo.”

Milestones

Happy birthday to Charlene Holmes and Danny Fowler, Feb. 18; Clifford Lantz, Feb. 19; Melissa Harnes and Paul Bornman, Feb. 20; Ray Short, Feb. 21; and Father Bernard Ihrie, Feb. 23.