Remember Them
Category: Unitarian Universalism - General
The Unitarian Universalist congregation in Clearwater, Florida, is in mourning, after Jennifer Davis, her partner Andrea Pisanello, and her two children Oliviana and Magnus Bernsdorff, were murdered on Friday by Davis’s ex-husband, Oliver Thomas Bernsdorff. Bernsdorff committed suicide shortly thereafter.
All five were active participants in the Unitarian Universalists of Clearwater congregation, where a service was held yesterday.
Loved ones remember the joy that Andrea, Jennifer, Oliviana and Magnus brought to their lives.
Andrea Pisanello had a long career of serving others, including working on behalf of abused children and the mentally ill. Most recently, she and Davis worked together at a local hospice. Pisanello was also mother to a four-year-old daughter, Annie. Pisanello’s former partner, Megan Szczepanik says, “She just gave…That’s what her life was.” (See Andrea Pisanello: ‘Her life was…devoted to helping kids.’)
Davis’s family writes (as quoted in the St. Petersburg Times):
Our family is devastated by the killing of Jennifer, Olivia, Magnus, and Andrea. Words do not even begin to describe the pain and heartbreak we are experiencing. We love Jennifer, Olivia, and Magnus so much. Jennifer was so smart and so excited about living her life. Magnus, even though he was only 2, could melt hearts with his beautiful blond hair and devilish smile. Olivia was a beautiful child with big brown eyes and a shy smile that only widened once she got to know you.
We can’t explain why this has happened — we can barely believe that it has happened. Our hearts go out to all the families and individuals impacted by this incident. We want to thank all the friends, acquaintances and concerned people who have helped in this difficult time. We want to thank the police in all the communities who have helped in this situation.
May Jennifer, Olivia, Magnus, and Andrea rest in peace.
December 18th, 2007 01:05
Andrea was a unique human being who dedicated her life to helping others. She was happy and upbeat and kind. She loved her daugher, Annie Rose, more than anything in the world. She had a terrific sense of humor and didn’t hesitate to speak her mind about things she believed in. A true social worker in every sense of the word! She spent over 30 years helping other people…. mentoring….. advocating….. teaching….. helping…… making the world a better place.
Andrea was my rock and my anchor. She helped keep me grounded when I was ready to explode. She taught me how to decifer my own personal biases and keep them out of the lives of my clients.. She helped me make sense of senseless situations. She made me see myself for who I was and what I believed in and how to turn that around and make it work for me when I was with my clients.
When I graduate Tueday night, you’ll be there Andrea, watching me, smiling, and you’ll be proud to take credit for the major role you played and the impact you made on my life. When I walk across the stage, your seat may be empty…but you will be there in spirit.
I am proud to have known you as well as I did and am thankful for the years we shared and the time you took to help me become the social worker I am today. I will make you proud and I know you will always be looking down on me smiling, giving me all the credit…but you, my dear Andrea, you helped make me who I am now. Your guidance, your “perfectly honest” constructive criticism, your pats on the back for a job well done, and your hugs when I would break down in tears…they will be with me forever.
I will cherish the time we shared and I have been blessed to know you. I will miss you forever. You are in a better place now, Andrea…a place of love and peace and beauty..you are with God…and you will watch over us all. You will never be forgotten! Rest in peace, my dear Andrea, Rest in peace.
December 18th, 2007 17:16
Lauren,
Thank you for sharing your memories of Andrea’s kindness and wisdom. May you feel her loving presence at your graduation this evening.