Bernardine Yackman

Bernardine Yackman (1916-1982)

 Bernardine Yakcman (1916-1982) was a Sudbury woman whose life exemplified the highest qualities of commitment and service to her family, her employer and her community.

Born Mary Bernardine Fyfe, in Hailebury, she grew up in Cobalt, Frood Mine, Creighton, Garson, Levack and Murray Mine.  Bernie, attended Sudbury High School, St. Mary’s Academy in North Bay and graduated from Sudbury Business College.  She began her career with P.J.  McAndrew, Lawyers, then worked for the Purchasing Department at Inco and later joined the office staff of the Superintendant’s Deparment for the CPR.  While her marriage to Frederick Yackman took her to Kirkland Lake, upon their transfer back to Sudbury, Bernie rejoined the Superintendant’s Office with the CPR and remained there for thirty years of her life.

 Bernie’s desire to become a nurse was thwarted by her childhood bout with pneumonia; however, she forged ahead in her career as a secretary and exemplified dedication to others through this calling.  When the government began extension upgrading programs at Cambrian College, Bernie taught commercial subjects for students to qualify for full-time positions.  Bernie encouraged and assisted women in many areas, especially in the Business and Professional Women’s Club where she served as President (1976-1977).  Assistant District 6 Director and District 6 Director (1980-1981).

 Bernie was very committed to serving people through a variety of activities.  Among these were:  Trustee, Sudbury Board of Education, 1968-1981, Chairperson, Sudbury board of Education, 1974-1979, Board of Directors, Canadian Red Cross Society, Sudbury Branch; and a member of the Regional Council of the Ontario Educational Communications Association  TV Ontario.  Berardine was an active member of the Liberal Party, serving in a variety of offices as well as devoting time and energy to her church and her family throughout her life.  With all her other responsibilities and activities.  Bernie found herself soley responsible for bringing up her young family, when her husband died in 1969.

Bernie would prefer us to remember her with a tremendous sense of humour as well as her tremendous sense of responsibility.  She was an excellent role model and a women to emulate.  She was a powerful personality who established her presence for fairness and justice and her concern for all was evident to everyone who knew her.

 Bernardine Yackman Award

 The Sudbury Business and Professional Women’s club had instituted the ‘Bernardine Yackman Award’ to recognize Bernie’s contribution in a variety of areas.  The award was instituted March 18, 1985 and is presented annually to a woman who makes a significant contribution to the community in one or more of the following areas:

• In elected or appointed office
• In volunteer service
• In a political or religious organization, or
• By acting as a role model in her place of employment

A panel of judges selects the award winner from the submitted nominations and the winner of the ‘Bernardine Yackman Award’ is presented with a Certificate of Merit and a $100 donation is made in her name to a charity of her choice.  The winner of this prestigious award does not have to be a member of the Sudbury Business and Professional Women’s Club. 

Past Recipients include:

2009   Diane Marleau

2008    no one

2007   Toula Sakellaris

2006   no one

2005   no one

2004   Judi Cartman

2003   Rachel Proulx

2002   Jeanine Larcher-Lalande

2001    Miriam McDonald

2000   Donna Mese

1999   Jackie Thoms

1998   Maureen Lacroix

1997  no award

1996   Margaret Hache

1995   Esme Rintala

1994 Margaret Wi

1993   Anita Thompson

1992   Jeanne Warwick

1991   Donna Spiegel

1990   Karen Snow

1989   Jennifer Pink & Donna Salem

1988   Lyla Kinoshameg

1987   Grace Murray

1986   Helen Ghent

1985 Kaireen Crichton