Longtime Chestnut Hill resident Bernadette L. Maguire, a pioneering woman in engineering who worked on projects including the development of heat shields for the Apollo spacecraft program, died Feb. 22. She was 89.
During a distinguished career at General Electric, Maguire not only worked on critical projects for NASA but also researched engineering solutions for multiple technical problems, including developing methods for alternative energy production.
In 1985, she was named manager of engineering in GE's Aerospace Group. In 1990, she became responsible for all business development activities in the same business area, a position which included both marketing leadership and direction of advanced technology programs.
"You have to understand, I'm the youngest of 10," Maguire said in a 2017 interview. "I have five older brothers. I was not intimidated by the men."
Maguire's laboratory at 32nd and Chestnut Street was recognized in 2007 by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics as a Historic Aerospace Site, cementing her legacy in the field of aerospace engineering. A prolific researcher and thought leader, Maguire published over 30 articles and regularly presented her work at national and international conferences.
Maguire was born Oct. 19, 1935, to Peter Paul Maguire and Katherine (McGrath) Maguire. She was the youngest of 10 siblings. All predeceased her: Michael, Mary (Dougherty), Paul, Catherine, Margaret, John, Theresa (Andrews), Frederick and Lawrence.
After graduating from Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls in Hunting Park, Maguire enrolled in Immaculata College in Chester County, studying there as a commuter student and earning a bachelor's degree in mathematics with a minor in physics. She joined General Electric after graduation in 1957, remaining there for more than 35 years. During her time at GE, she also earned a master's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in 1966. She retired from GE in 1993.
Immaculata University president Barbara Lettiere told the Local last week, "I am grateful that Bernadette was twice recognized by her alma mater for her unwavering dedication and support of Immaculata. She truly embodied the spirit of an Immaculatan, and she will be deeply missed."
According to Sister Joan Rychalsky, former president of Little Flower and a close friend of Maguire, "Bernadette was a genuinely humble woman. In everything, she worked graciously, modestly, respectfully, never seeking recognition for herself. (But she did appreciate the approving nods when she drove that green Jag and 8-cylinder Blue Cougar.)"
Rychalsky called Maguire "a holy woman of integrity, inspiration, peace and simplicity, a true daughter of St. Therese," who lived in the spirit of St. Therese's "Little Way," which advocates for a simple path to holiness that focuses on doing ordinary things with love and trust in God's grace, rather than striving for grand, heroic acts.
"She would often refer to me as her social secretary and executive assistant," said Rychalsky, who called Maguire "Aunt Bern." She was "everyone's aunt. She showed up for everything and everyone. I can't remember a birthday, graduation or sacrament that she was not a part of," Rychalsky continued. "I've visited her house in Chestnut Hill and heard stories about Aunt Bern and the Maguires for my entire life. Her impact in our lives has touched each and every one of us, and her passing signifies the end of an era, a generation of greats."
Maguire and her brother Lawrence were well known on the "Chestnut Hill lunch circuit," according to Joe Thomas, owner of the Jacob Ruth Funeral Home in Chestnut Hill. The siblings frequently dined at eateries such as Cin Cin, Cake and Valley Green Inn. They were generally on a first-name basis with many of the owners and staff.
In his homily during Maguire's funeral services at Our Mother of Consolation Church, the Rev. John Fisher talked about Maguire's amazing life as one of 10 siblings, who "never really knew her dad," and grew up with a mom who provided for her large family in the days before government assistance.
Fisher described visiting Maguire in the hospital during the week of her death. He gave her communion and the Sacrament of the Sick. Even though Maguire was in a weakened condition, her humility, faith, gratitude and spirit were clearly evident, Fisher said. "She was so sincere in thanking me for my visits when the pleasure was mine."
Maguire was never married and had no children. She is survived by Peter Andrews, Katherine (Andrews) Clark, John Andrews, Bernadette (Andrews) Humphrey, Theresa (Andrews) Forlastro, Margaret Andrews, Walter Maguire, Francis Maguire, Laurence Maguire, Paul Maguire, Joan (Dougherty) Pierson and their families.
Interment was at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Cheltenham Township. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Little Flower High School and/or Immaculata University.
Len Lear can be reached at lenlear@chestnuthilllocal.com
