Bernadette McKinney passed away in Highland Village, Texas on February 17, 2023 at the age of 70 years.
Bernadette was born September 18, 1952, to John “Jack” and Mary Helzlsouer in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The second of nine daughters, she was a caring and patient sister who found an early passion in learning and teaching. From an early age, she always saw the positive in people and situations, bringing light and love to all her endeavors. Graduated from Electra High School in 1970 and Midwestern State University in 1974 with a major in Mathematics and minors in German and English, Bernadette is remembered for her intelligence and her genuine and delicate nature. She was an avid lifelong learner, delighting in art, classical music, and reading.
Bernadette dedicated her life to teaching. As a math educator, she spent countless hours designing careful lessons to ensure each student had the opportunity to learn. She remarked that she “was not done teaching until they have ALL learned.” That spirit motivated her work in the classroom and as a dedicated tutor after hours, where her passion for math combined with a firm belief that everyone could succeed at deep understanding. She was well loved by her students and colleagues at both Allen and Lovejoy Independent School Districts. She retired in May 2018.
Bernadette’s love shone through in her dedication to her three daughters. As a single mother, she worked tirelessly to provide for them and ensure they grew into strong and independent people. She found great joy in watching them explore their gifts and charting their own paths in the world. Her love and kindness served as a model for her children, and she delighted in her role as Oma, a grandmother to five.
Bernadette was preceded in death by her parents, John “Jack” and Mary Helzlsouer. She is survived by her sisters, Mary Margaret, Theresa, Nora, Margaret Rose, Louise, Barbara, Claire, and Celine; by her daughters, Sarah, Claire, and Amelia; and by her grandchildren Helen, Sebastian, Kalinda, Vaiana, and Thien.
The family welcomes donations to the Center for Excellence in Education to honor Bernadette’s memory: