Nora (Calaywan Angeles) Bernstein

Nora Calaywan Angeles Bernstein, 74, passed away peacefully on February 4 surrounded in person and spirit of her beloved. Nora was born and raised in San Juan, Rizal, Philippines; and for the past fifty years lived in Washington, D.C., Indianapolis, and Boynton Beach, Florida. Her pride of being from the Philippines and her love of being an American lived deeply within her soul.
She received her college degree from Santo Tomas University, Manila, Philippines. After her college studies and before coming to America she began a lifetime interest in the arts including acting, writing, poetry, and modern dance. She was principally a textile artist, but experimented over the years with many different art mediums. Her work products were widely creative and beautifully crafted. She was extra-ordinarily wise and demonstrated a photographic memory in her early works and social interactions.
While living in Indianapolis she worked at the IU School of Nursing library, and as a pre-school teacher. She taught at Singer Learning Center, Children’s Museum, Congregation Beth-El Zedeck, and Hasten Academy. Being a child at heart, she loved her students and they loved her. Nora also worked at Lohman’s Department Store as a set designer, L.S. Ayres where she was a department supervisor, and legal assistant for her husband, Howard.
She was deeply compassionate and kind to everyone she met. She exhibited a unique serenity and calmness infused with gentleness and beauty. Nora was humble and non-judgmental towards everyone, and if you were lucky enough to be her friend, you were her friend for life. She was admired by all for her compassionate devotion to her daughter, Erikka. Nora’s many medical problems did not diminish her passion for life relying often on an incredible inner courage. Her beautiful smile warmed all hearts.
Her hobbies included cooking, gardening, and attending local cultural events. She particularly enjoyed traveling the world which she did with Howard and Erikka many times.
Nora was preceded in death by her father, Domingo; mother, Gabriela; three sisters; and two brothers. Surviving her are husband, Howard Bernstein; daughter, Erikka (Jesus) Garcia; sister, Dhories Manalo; brother, Domingo Angeles, Jr.; and nieces, Maria Lourdes Panganiban Brown (Rob and Gabriela), Maria Theresa Nardi (Adrielle Santiago and Cholo Miguel Santiago), and Veronica Markado.  Additionally, she will be remembered by in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends in New Zealand, Australia, and throughout the Philippines and United States.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you make a charitable contribution in her memory to Congregation Beth-El Zedeck Pre-school, 600 West 70th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260; or a charity of your choosing.