Hon. Mathilde (Caliva) Bersani

Born October 12,1922 in Syracuse New York, Mathilde was raised on the north side of the city by loving parents Dr. Salvatore and Elizabeth Caliva and brother Francis. Born at a time when women were limited in career opportunities, Mathilde was one of the first women to graduate from Syracuse University College of Law in 1944. Her commitment to the legal profession, and empowering women was her life’s passion. The pinnacle of her career was her appointment as first woman City Court Judge in March 1978. In November 1978 she ran and was successfully elected to this seat. In 1982 she was appointed supervising Judge. In addition to the New York State bar, she was admitted to the Bar of the United States Supreme Court in 1980. Her career also included private practice, Assistant District Attorney for Onondaga County, Adjunct Professor Syracuse University, Assistant Corporation Counsel and Commissioner of Weights and Measures for the City of Syracuse. Mathilde lectured on the importance of financial independence for women and presented papers on the legal status of women. She received many awards including the Post Standard Women of Achievement, Boys Town of Italy Woman of the Year, and on her 100th Birthday Mayor Walsh proclaimed October 12, 2022, Mathilde Caliva Bersani Recognition Day in the City of Syracuse. She was affiliated with the National Association of Women Judges, American Bar Association, New York Bar Association, Board member of Crouse Irving Hospital, Women’s Auxiliary of St. Joseph’s Hospital, YMCA, Everson Museum of Art, Zonta, and Daughters of Columbus. During retirement she volunteered and wrote short stories about her childhood and mystery stories about her female friends who played an important part in her life. She will be remembered for her love of chocolate, ballet, fresh flowers, carvel sundaes, the Golden Girls, her Camaro, pink foil lipstick, using Ponds cold cream daily, wearing pink and purple and sneaking her grandchildren Hershey kisses when they were little. Mathilde was incredibly fortunate to have had a life well lived that could not have been possible without some very special people. Marsha, our amazing friend who managed all her care, and the loving attention from Sue, Shannon, Bridget, Robyn, Margaret, Jillian, Kathy, Tiffany, Aubrey, Shannon F, Sabrina, and Jackie. Predeceased by her brother, Dr. Francis Caliva, her son, Henry Bersani Jr. PhD., and husband Henry Bersani Sr., Mathilde is survived by her daughter Maribeth Bersani, daughter in law Lynda Bersani, grandchildren Lisa Bersani and Alexander Bersani, great granddaughter Callie Bersani and several nieces and nephews. A steady diet of chocolate is credited with Mathilde’s longevity! To honor Mathilde please enjoy a box of chocolates with someone you love. A private family service will be held.

Hon. Mathilde (Caliva) Bersani

October 12, 1922 - November 15, 2023