Be kind and serve your neighbor.

Bernice Borchard Heffernan, a pioneer in expanding the reach of multiple Catholic and philanthropic causes in Orange County, was born in Santa Anna in the home of her parents (Antone and Anna Borchard) during the 1916 flood. Bernice, her brother (Vincent) and three sissters (Frances, Wilma, and Anita) were raised on the family farm south of Santa Ana. Their family home and grounds were donated and are now the site of the Retreat Center for the Sisters of The Society Devoted to the Sacred Hearth, with the original family home serving as a Convent.

Bernice attended St. Joseph Parish School and then Santa Ana High School before receiving her degree in social work from Immactulate Heart College in Los Angeles. After college she worked as a case worker for the Welfare Department of Orange County and lived in her parent’s home assisting with the care of her disabled sister. She met her husband, attorney Thomas E. Heffernan, when he was an agent for the FBI stationed in Orange County. They were married at St. Anne’s Church in Santa Ana in 1943 adn had four sons (Thomas, Rober, John, and Patrick). After World War II they raised their family in the country, next door to her parents, with the same commitment to helping others, hard work, thrift, and high morals that guided her childhood.

In addition to her family, Bernice was committed to her faith and community causes. She was a founder of the Legal Aid Society or Orange County and devoted many years of service helping to provide free legal counsel to those in need. She was a devout Catholic throughout her life, always an energetic and generous contributor to Catholic causes. Most notably, she and Thomas were tireless benefactors, supporters, and leaders at St. Anne’s Parish and School, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and School, and Mater Dei High School, to which they entrusted the education of their sons. Bernice was a founding member and president of Catholic Charities of Orange County Auxiliary, and remained committed to its mission of expanding care for the needy or Orange County. Since the death of her husband in 1972, she was a regular member of Holy Family Cathedral in Orange. With her leadership, and the willing agreement of her sisters, funds were donated in the 1980’s which resulted in the construction of the Library and Science Education buildings at Santa Margarita High School. Ever willing to contribute to the Catholic Church and improve her community, Bernice lived her faith with dignity and joy that enriched those around her, and by being a founder and leader of many organizations. All who knew her remember the serenity that this life granted her. She was a gracious, kind, loyal, and compassionate leader of the benefactor of many causes, while continually acting as a loyal friend to so many in her community.