In Tribute...
Being part of the Phoenix Writers Club is like being part of a family. We share, we grow, and we travel a bit through life together. And when a member passes, we hope to have the opportunity to celebrate their life here.
A Tribute to Bernadette Inclan
April 29, 2025
Although Bernadette is no longer with us, her memory and the impact she had on her fellow Phoenix Writing Club members lives on. Here are a few tributes from members who knew her.
Tribute for Bernadette
By Del Candelaria
I joined Phoenix Writers Club in the Fall of 2024. I had many questions concerning the ins and outs of PWC and most important, where to proceed with the book I was writing. Bernadette was the first person to assist, and suggested I join her critique group. She asked me to email her with any questions. She always replied without delay. After I read some of the sto- ries she wrote, I was intrigued by her talent and expertise. Even though we knew each other for a short time, I miss her dearly.
Bernadette Tribute
By Dr. Kixx Goldman
Bernadette was such a bright spark—a wonderful, energetic, caring and insightful woman. We feel blessed to have known her. Bernadette sent us a most beautiful and moving message when Les’s son passed. She will be greatly missed, but we will always remember her.
Bernadette Tribute
By Marilyn Morris
I have been so impressed with Bernadette and her abilities in the few years I have had the honor of knowing her. We met in person several times at WG functions
(I joined near the end of the Pandemic while still at home and recovering from a badly broken leg),
I always have liked writing and don’t have a lot of trouble getting some- thing down on paper. But I was so inspired by the work Bernadette was doing. First in her research, then actually putting the book in writing, and getting to the final stage of finishing it, presenting and promoting it.
So few of us get that far. I listened at our meetings as she would tell us a bit about her travels, her family, her adventures both in the book and put- ting it together. I was so impressed. She was a woman who accomplished much of what she set out to do.
When she took over leading the WIG group she went the extra mile of keeping us informed not only of the actual meetings but of so many other events within the area that we could enjoy and also learn from. I had not yet watched her interview but in her honor last night I did.
It was so good to see and hear her and the excitement and pride in her voice as she spoke about her ancestors. I can only hope that this is a treasure for all the family here now and to come. I am sorry I didn’t know her better but she was an inspiration to us all and I do treasure her memory
Bernadette Tribute
By Bert Haagenstad
In life, you find so many different personalities. If you are extremely lucky, you find someone as incredible as Bernadette. I only met her in person one time, at a Holiday party at her home, a couple of years ago. We connected on Zoom for so many meetings, emails, and a phone call or two. That one time, in-person revealed a relationship with her husband that can best
be described as soul mates. It radiated all around them. That is so rare.
Bernadette quickly became a friend of endless support, encouragement, and guidance in my writing. I valued our friendship more than I can tell you. In the meetings I watched, that same energy, that support, and guidance were given to all the members. I was proud to watch her create endless memories in so many minds and hearts. She was amazing in every way. I miss seeing her at the meeting. They just aren’t the same. I hope that she knows how much we thought of her; she was amazing.
Farewell, dear friend.
Bernadette
By Maya Coffey
Bernadette was truly a vibrant soul, someone who embraced life with un- paralleled enthusiasm. Her role as a hostess was not just about entertain- ing; it was an extension of her generous spirit, which she shared with every- one around her. I had the privilege of working alongside her in the labora- tory at St. Joseph Hospital, where our shared commitment to helping those in need brought us closer together.
At the hospital, each department engaged in charitable activities, especially during the holiday season. For Christmas, our department adopted a family in need, providing them with gifts and support. During Easter, we orga- nized the creation of Easter baskets filled with treats and toys. Bernadette was the driving force behind these initiatives, passionately leading fund- raising efforts and bringing people together. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and it was heartwarming to see how much joy she had.
Bernadette’s creative side blossomed during these events. While she had always enjoyed writing, her passion for crafting emerged during our charity activities. She began exploring various crafting techniques and eventually started hosting crafting parties. Each of these gatherings was not just about making crafts; they were themed dinner parties that combined her culinary skills with her newfound love for crafting.
For instance, one memorable crafting party was themed around autumn. We decorated the dining area with pumpkins, and Bernadette prepared a sumptuous harvest feast. After dinner, we created seasonal decorations, laughing and sharing stories as we worked on our projects. These events not only showcased her creativity but also strengthened the bonds between friends and colleagues.
The memories we created during these crafting parties are etched in my heart. Every time I look at the crafts we made together—whether it’s a sewing project or jewelry making—I am reminded of Bernadette’s warmth, laughter, and zest for life. Her spirit continues to live on in the projects we completed together, and the joy she brought to those around her is irreplaceable.
Bernadette will always be missed. Her spirit, love, creativity, and passion for life have left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She was a beacon of light, inspiring those around her to embrace life fully and generously. In our hearts, her legacy will continue to shine brightly.
Bernadette Tribute
By Mark Walker
Bernadette’s new book, The Perils of Beginnings is an important part of her legacy. I helped her promote her new book
because it was timely given all the misinfor- mation about life on the border and misconcep- tions about immigrants.
Here is a link to my review.
The Perils of Beginnings by Bernadette Inclan, Reviewed by Mark D. Walker – Million Mile Walker
Bernadette was also a member of the Arizona Authors Association where I’m on the board. She helped us develop strategic partnerships with groups like PEN American which is combating book banning.
Attached is a photo of her making a presentation at one of our AAA/PEN America joint meetings. Her lifetime companion, Joe, took this picture and most of the other photos of events Bernadette was involved with.
r u ok
By D'Anne Pientka
want to call
told wait not ready
the light of your life
our lives
gone
my last text
r u ok
unanswered
now
i know why
i text
r u ok
.
.
Unanswered
Exuberant Was Her Middle Name
By Stella Pope Duarte
I met Bernadette Inclan over twelve years ago as I presented at one of my writing workshops. I was then to see her at every workshop I gave at ASU, or at a bookstore or a college, over and over again Bernadette would be there, dropped off by her husband, Joe, who would then return to pick her up, snapping photos of the event.
I recall looking at her face the first time I saw her sitting among other writers. Hers was an exuberant face, filled with love, kindness, and a desire to learn all she could about writing. She told me her goal was to write a novel based on the history of her family, as they were some of the first settlers of Texas, and this she did when she published her book, The Perils of Beginnings in 2023.
Bernadette’s exuberant spirit, her arms always open to others, attracted everyone she met. Her beautiful home became a place we all got to know, as she invited us there to share the holidays, and even gave me my own private birthday party after I told her I had never had a birthday party as a child.
I am so grateful for Bernadette and Joe, who supplied me with boxes of homemade foods, pastas, casseroles, homemade bread, on and on as I labored to overcome the Covid virus. I firmly believe that the three weeks of providing me with this nutritious food was one of the main reasons I recovered.
In my last conversation with Bernadette, I told her I would make her some chicken soup so she could get well, not knowing how serious her illness was. Her last text to me was: “Hold off on the chicken soup, I’m back in the ER.”
Exuberant is indeed Bernadette’s middle name! A woman loving and full of beauty, freely loving everyone she met. Rest in peace, beloved Bernadette.
Bernadette Tribute
By Kim L. Nielsen
Because of Rick’s demise, I met with Bernadette and Joe for a couple meals and had the pleasure of getting to know them better. Such a delightful couple. And like Rick and me, inseparable. She told me how much she and Joe depended on each other. Their love for each other was readily apparent.
Not long ago, I told Bernadette how Rick used to tell me how genuinely nice and caring she was. I told her I knew her long enough to agree whole- heartedly. She had a big heart and will be greatly missed. How timely and fortunate that she explored her heritage and authored an impressive book with what she learned.
May she rest in peace.
A Tribute to Bernadette
By Lois Kiely
Laughter, sunshine, enthusiasm, and commitment – that was Bernadette and so much more. She was defined by unbridled enthusiasm for causes she embraced. If Bernadette knew you were interested in something, she’d find a way to connect you to an organization or a person who could help you build on your interest. She was incredibly resourceful. And she was happy, and her happiness spilled over to all those who were in her company. When we read our stories at Writers’ Inspiration Group (WIG) she applauded us and made us feel as if we were the next Joan Didion. You could count on Bernadette to follow through on what she said – if there was a get together
– she would be there. I will miss her musical laugh, her wide smile, and her kindness. We were blessed to have her in our midst.
Bernadette Tribute
By beth Liechti Johnson
Bernadette,
Missing you
…
Author-Preneurship
By Alexa Ruona and Dalena Nguyen
Bernadette always brought such a bright light when she came into a room. Her cute little hats and her calm and positive energy always made us smile.
It was such a joy to meet her when she first came to Author-Preneurship. When reading her book, we will always remember how much love and en- thusiasm she put into it. Her story lives on through her writing, her family, and her light. The world is a better place because she was in it.
May she rest in peace.
The Author-Preneurship girls
Let’s Not Forget
By AI
Let’s not forget
The blue of the sky on a beautiful day
The smell of the rain that’s on its way
A whiff of a scent that reminds us of you Any of these really will do.
When we see a book you wanted to read
Or a pretty new sweater you said that you need When we hear a song we all liked to sing You;re who we think of with each thing
So you are never far from my mind
You aren’t really gone, not someone so kind
You are still here, and everywhere
And won’t be forgotten because we care.
Bernadette
By Cindi Reiss
The first time I met you, I felt the joy that emanated from your soul.
Your exuberance for life was striking as you lit up the night with your smile.
Your friendliness as you invited me into your craft group was genuine.
Though my skills at anything crafty were nil, you assured me that I would fit in with your group of crafty ladies.
And I did with your encouragement, I even made an apron with your help!
And I shared my writing groups with you.
When you retired, you could commit to your writing and boy did you commit!
You joined Phoenix Writers Club and Writers Inspiration Group and whole-heartedly gave your all to each group.
Your curiosity for learning everything you could about the writing world was boundless. Workshops, classes, subscriptions to magazines, books, anything you could take part in you did.
And you shared that knowledge with the writers around you.
You wrote your story and learned all there was to know about publishing and promoting your book, Perils Of Beginnings: A Cavazos Historical Memoir, giving interviews on podcasts, receiving awards, speaking engagements, and more. And besides selling your book on Amazon you had it in Barnes and Noble, Walmart, and other outlets, which isn’t easy to do.
Your enthusiasm, curiosity, and energy spilled into all that you did. There was
nothing you wouldn’t tackle.
You gave of yourself to causes you felt strongly about.
And your husband, Joe, was beside you, capturing the surrounding creativity with his photos.
Your delight in all that you did sparked enthusiasm in everyone around you.
You are here with me dear friend, every time I need input on PWC subjects,
I turn to you and you guide me with your insight.
When my grandchildren teach me a new craft
I laugh at the many memories of learning at your hands.
And when I watch your videos and see your smile as you talk about your family history, I am grateful that your book will continue to enlighten and educate readers with your story.
When I talk to Joe, I see you over his shoulder, your souls intertwined always.
Your spirit lives on forever dear friend.
Bernadette Tribute
By Martha Kent
Bernadette brought us joy. Her bright smile and irrepressible laugh greeted our monthly meetings. Her smile and laugh accompanied our projects, many plans, big and small issues. In mourning her passing, we will miss her mix of joy and challenge in our daily lives and celebrate a life well lived, best said by William Blake.
Auguries of Innocence
Joy and woe are woven fine,
A clothing for the soul divine,
Under every grief and pine
Runs a joy with silken twine.
A printable PDF version of these touching memories and thoughts can be found here.
