Gladys Bernstein

Gladys Bliss Bernstein, age 98, of Philadelphia died on June 12, 2025, at her residence at Dresher Estates in Dresher, PA. Born in Philadelphia on November 13, 1926, the daughter of Herman and Florence Bliss, she graduated from Germantown High School in 1944 and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education at the University of Pennsylvania in 1948.

In 1941, as a young member of Congregation Adath Jeshurun (then in Philadelphia), she met her husband of 65 years, Marshall Bernstein, when he was selected to be her tutor in chanting the Megillah of Esther for Purim. They were married in 1947.

Upon graduation from Penn, she started the AJ Nursery School, a program which continues to this day. She and Marshall were a constant presence at AJ throughout their lives. When Marshall served as AJ’s President from 1960-1964, Gladys served on various synagogue committees as well as on the Board of Directors. Together, they established the AJ Young Marrieds Group in an effort to bring young adults into leadership roles. In addition, through their involvement in the Federation of Jewish Agencies and Israel Bonds, they chaired many community-wide events and hosted many receptions in their home. For her many years of tireless work for AJ she received the Women’s Association Woman of Achievement award in 2017.

Gladys and Marshall enjoyed attending the Philadelphia Orchestra concerts and the Metropolitan Opera. She loved playing golf and traveling.

Predeceased by Marshall and a granddaughter, Julia Bernstein, she is survived by her children, Dena Bernstein, Susan (and Lawrence) Gordon, and Jonathan (and Cathy) Bernstein, and grandchildren, Jenna Bernstein, Anna Bernstein, Sabrina Gordon and Andrew (and Logan) Gordon.

A graveside funeral will be held at 11:30am on Sunday, June 15, 2025 at Adath Jeshurun Cemetery, 1855 Bridge Street, Philadelphia. Following the funeral, you are invited to the home of Lynn and Ken Cohen. Shiva will continue out of town. 

To watch the graveside service on Zoom,
Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 848 7167 5527
Passcode: GLADYSBB

Donations in Gladys’s memory can be made to Congregation Adath Jeshurun or the charity of your choice.