Bernadette Dorothy Brandt was born on January 7, 1875 in Clearfield Township, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Augustine John and Philomena (Martin) Brand. She was baptized on January 24th at St. Augustine Catholic Church in St. Augustine where her father was a founding member; her godparents were James and Agnes McCance.

Bernie was the tenth of eleven children born to her parents, four of whom died young. Her father was 25 years older than her mother, who was his second wife. Agnes also had five older half-siblings.