Elizabeth J. Bernardin, 73, a former teacher in the Great Valley School District, died of congestive heart failure Wednesday at her home in East Whiteland.

Mrs. Bernardin taught special education and Latin at Great Valley High School from 1967 to 1970, when she became audio-visual coordinator in the media center at the school. She retired in 1991.

She was born in Downer's Grove, Ill., and graduated from the University of Illinois. She earned her master's degree from the University of Wisconsin. She received certification in Latin and library media from West Chester University. Mrs. Bernardin was a member of the National Education Association, the Pennsylvania State Education Association, and the Association for Education Communication and Technology.

She was active in the women's guild at SS. Philip & James Roman Catholic Church in Exton. She enjoyed classical music, collecting dollhouse miniatures, reading and vegetable gardening.

Her husband of 48 years, Charles W. Bernardin, a professor of English at Villanova University, died in 1996.

Mrs. Bernardin is survived three daughters, Anne E. Kuchler, Claire L. Bernardin, M.D., and Elisabeth J. Armstrong; six sons, Charles P. Bernardin, M.D., Guy E., Paul A., Richard M., Claude W. and Georges F.; 10 grandchildren; and two sisters. A viewing will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. tomorrow at the Mauger-Givnish Funeral Home, 24 Monument Ave., Malvern. A Funeral Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Monday at SS. Philip & James Church, Route 30, Exton. Burial will be in Philadelphia Memorial Park, Malvern.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Office for Development, 222 N. 17th St., Philadelphia 19103.