Bernastein (Bernie) Caffee Winston, 58, of Leawood, Kansas, entered eternal rest on May 15, 2024, surrounded by her devoted and loving family. Bernie was a beacon of hope and a tireless advocate for educational equity, leaving an indelible mark on the communities she served.
Bernie was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and raised in Newark, Delaware. Throughout her life, she moved around the country with her husband, Richard Winston, and their daughter, Lauren. In each community, Bernie dedicated her time, energy, and care to advancing education. She established two education programs in Wichita, Kansas, as part of her graduate research at Newman University in 2012. Upon moving to Kansas City, she continued her impactful work in the Kansas City Public School District and Shawnee Mission School District.
Bernie was adored by friends, family, teachers, and students for her mentorship and unwavering support. Janet Williams, a close friend, shared on Facebook, "On the first ‘meet the teacher’ night at Shawnee Mission East, Bernie’s World History teacher introduced me to her. Bernie became my rock at Shawnee Mission East. Her friendship meant the world to me. I am devastated by her loss. It was an honor to be Bernie’s friend, and I will cherish every lesson she taught me."
Before her diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in 2023, Bernie founded the non-profit Achievement First KC Foundation. Her mission was to provide resources and nurture the confidence of students to pursue higher education and STEM-related fields. Despite the progression of ALS, Bernie continued to share her light with community members through service and joy, collaborating with organizations such as the Links of Greater Kansas City and Operation Breakthrough.
To honor Bernie’s memory and continue her legacy, her daughter, Lauren Winston, organized a fundraiser to benefit Operation Breakthrough. The goal is to raise $10,000 to support Bernie’s commitment to educational equity. So far, $115 has been raised through four donations, including contributions from Gabi Talavera, Anisha Jackson, and others.
Bernie’s impact extended beyond her immediate circle. Erin Glynn Woods commented, "Just devastating. What a force she was, especially when she hooked up with you all on the ‘dream team.’ Hard to imagine this world without her." Similarly, Shawn Boatright noted, "Oh, such accomplishments gone too soon."
In her honor, donations to Operation Breakthrough will help ensure that her passion for education and equity lives on, benefiting children in Kansas City and beyond. Bernastein (Bernie) Winston’s legacy will continue to inspire and empower future generations.
Note:This post was written and edited by Nora Davis, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.