Meet Bernadette "Sis" McLeod Gariglio, lifelong educator, artist, gardener, proud mother, and one of the quiet hearts behind generations of Hemlock families.
Around Hemlock, however, almost no one calls her Bernadette. To family, friends, and neighbors, she's simply "Sis." For more than six decades, that familiar name has been synonymous with kindness, creativity, service, and a deep love for this community.
Originally from Merrill, Sis never imagined that a farmhouse on Raucholz Road would change the course of her life. But when she and her husband, Larry, discovered the property in 1964, it simply "felt magical."
More than sixty years later, it still feels like home.
For Sis, Hemlock has always been defined by one thing: its people.
"I enjoy the small, caring community," she says.
The Gariglio family quickly became woven into the fabric of Hemlock. Larry would go on to serve as Superintendent of Hemlock Public School District for 20 years, helping guide the district through years of growth and progress. Together, they raised three children—Gary, Dana, and Tom—all proud Hemlock graduates. Today, Sis beams with pride as she watches that legacy continue through her four grandchildren.
Education has always been close to her heart.
Growing up, she was surrounded by teachers. Her many aunts and uncles inspired her to pursue education herself, while her parents instilled the values of hard work, kindness, faith, and service that would shape the rest of her life.
"I loved teaching and interacting with kids and young people," she says. "I probably would have done it for free."
One of her proudest accomplishments came later in life, when she returned to college at the age of 53—a decision that proved it's never too late to continue learning or pursue a dream.
That love of learning never stopped.
Over the years, Sis has embraced countless creative pursuits. She gardens, paints, sews, quilts, and enjoys all kinds of arts and crafts. She has taken painting classes, created treasured quilts for her family, and is always eager to learn something new.
In fact, at 93 years young, Sis decided to try something completely different—wood carving. She created a wooden statue she affectionately named "O'Larry" in honor of her husband, Larry, and, true to form, later crafted a Santa hat to dress him up for Christmas. Often standing nearby during the holiday season is "Bambi," her handmade stick reindeer that has been part of her family's Christmas tradition for more than 50 years. It's a perfect reflection of Sis herself—creative, joyful, and always finding ways to make others smile.
Growing up, she loved playing softball, spending time with her horse, cheering at Sacred Heart High School football games, and dancing on Saturday nights at the Golden Glow. Later, she learned to ski and sailboard alongside her family, and today she still enjoys golfing in a league at Valley View.
But perhaps her greatest joy has always been people.
Each morning begins with a plan to accomplish something meaningful. She refuses to nap, loves being outside surrounded by her flowers, and always welcomes family, friends, and neighbors who stop by for a visit.
Throughout the years, Sis has generously shared her gifts with the Hemlock community. She helped organize Hemlock's Sesquicentennial celebration and was deeply involved at St. Mary Catholic Church, where she helped establish the preschool program, worked in youth ministry, and served as a lector.
When asked about her favorite place in Hemlock, her answer is beautifully simple:
"My home."
After all, that's where family gathers, friendships grow, and memories are made.
Ask Sis to describe Hemlock in one word, and she chooses "Proud."
It's a fitting answer from someone who has spent more than six decades investing in this community—not through grand gestures, but through everyday acts of kindness, creativity, faith, and service. At 93, she continues to inspire those around her with infectious energy, an artist's heart, and the belief that every day is an opportunity to create something beautiful.
And perhaps no words capture Sis's life better than the simple motto she has carried for years:
"Love wasn't put in your heart to stay... Love isn't love till you give it away."
It's a philosophy she has quietly lived out in Hemlock for more than sixty years—through her family, her friendships, her faith, and the countless lives she's touched along the way.
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