WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Bernadine Hinge Williams of Williamstown died of glioblastoma on July 22, 2025.

Bernadine was born on Sept. 29, 1966, in Utica, N.Y. She was raised in nearby Barneveld by her loving and supportive parents, Suzanne and Bill, along with her brothers Matt and Nick and her sister, Shanley. Bernadine graduated from Holland Patent High School in 1984 after years of excelling academically and athletically.

Ever the adventurer, Bernadine spent a year in Ghent, Belgium, after her high school graduation. In Ghent, she attended school and was hosted by her beloved Van Den Haute family: father Herman, mother Maria, and sisters Beatrijs, Monika, Kristien, and Erika. Upon returning to the U.S., Bernadine attended Hamilton College, graduating in 1989 with a degree in political science.

At Hamilton, one of her friends, Jennifer Williams, introduced Bernadine to her brother Michael, whom Bern married in 1993. Their daughters Eleanor Shanley and Fiona Jane were born in 1998 and 2002, respectively. Bernadine loved her girls with all of her heart and was adored by them in return.

Bernadine's long career in higher education began at Harvard University's Kennedy School in 1989, and concluded at Williams College's Office of College Relations in 2023, where she was a senior development officer. Bern received her Master of Education Administration degree from Harvard University's Graduate School of Education in 1993.

Throughout her adulthood, Bernadine maintained her sense of fun and adventure by traveling and singing (as part of the legendary Weapons of Mass Seduction vocal group!) and by exercising with her posse, the Williamstown Gal Pals, whose love and support sustained her and her family during the often-challenging last year of her life.

Bern was first diagnosed with glioblastoma in June of 2021. Following her diagnosis, she embraced life with open arms, traveling abroad and enjoying local adventures. Because of the innovative, intensive, and compassionate care of her Dana-Farber Neuro-Oncology and Palliative Care teams, Bern enjoyed several more years of life post-diagnosis. Her family cannot express the immense gratitude we have for Dr. Ugonma Chukwueke, Dr. John Rhee, Nurse Practitioner Jenn Stefanik, and the entire Dana-Farber team for their gift of these extra years with our beloved wife and mother.

In addition to her immediate family, Bernadine leaves behind her South African brother Phil Court, her 39 first cousins, her aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, in-laws, and countless friends. She was predeceased by her father, Bill, in 2024.

FUNERAL NOTICE: Calling Hours at Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Home, West Chapels, 521 West Main St., North Adams, are Monday, July 28, 2025, from 5 to 8 p.m. A celebration of her life will take place on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Williams Inn, 101 Spring St., Williamstown. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Bern's name to Dana-Farber’s Center for Neuro Oncology or HospiceCare in the Berkshires. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.