Early Life and Background
Bernice Charlotte Herstein, subsequently Bernice Durst, was born in Scarsdale, New York, on September 6, 1918. She became a notable American socialite after marrying real estate investor Seymour Durst. Despite her terribly short life, Bernice was wealthy, social, and devoted to her family.
Marriage to Seymour Durst
Bernice Herstein married real estate titan Seymour Durst in 1940. Seymour was noted for his notable real estate investments and expansions. The union united two prominent New York families, boosting their social status and community influence.
Family Life
Robert, Douglas, Wendy, and Thomas Durst were Bernice and Seymour’s children. Bernice raised her children in their Scarsdale mansion despite her wealth.
- Robert Durst (1943 – 2022): The eldest son, Robert, became infamous for his involvement in several high-profile legal cases, including the murder of Susan Berman and the disappearance of his first wife, Kathleen McCormack Durst.
- Douglas Durst (b. 1944): Following in his father’s footsteps, Douglas became a prominent figure in the real estate world, ultimately taking control of The Durst Organization in the early 1990s.
- Wendy Durst Kreeger: Wendy pursued a quieter life compared to her brothers, focusing on her personal endeavors and family.
- Thomas Durst: Thomas resides in Ross, California, maintaining a relatively low profile compared to his siblings.
Bernice influenced her children by giving them a luxury upbringing that was shaped by wealth and society.
Tragic Death
Bernice was sadly killed on November 8, 1950. She died after falling or jumping from the family’s Scarsdale roof. Her death was never definitively ruled an accident or suicide.
A witness saw Bernice on the roof at night, prompting an employee to notify the police. Bernice plummeted, marking a sad chapter in the Durst family’s history, despite the police and firemen’s 30-minute plan to stop her from jumping. Her death left her husband Seymour single, and she never saw her children grow up.
Legacy
Bernice Durst’s children and grandkids are influential in their industries. Her grandkids, Helena Rose Durst Domino, Alexander Durst, and Anita Durst Kariolic, cherish the Durst name.
In mourning over Bernice, Seymour Durst never remarried and focused on establishing his real estate fortune. As of 2021, the Durst Organization’s New York City real estate holdings total more than $8 billion.
FAQ
Did Robert Durst see his mother die?
In the documentary “The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst,” Robert said he saw his mother die, something his brother Douglas denies.
Bernice Durst died under what circumstances?
Falling or jumping from her family’s Scarsdale roof on November 8, 1950, Bernice Durst died. Unknown circumstances surround her death.
Did Seymour Durst remarry after Bernice died?
No, Seymour Durst never remarried following Bernice’s 1950 death.
Bernice Durst had how many kids?
Robert, Douglas, Wendy, and Thomas were Bernice Durst’s children.
Bernice Durst’s social role?
American socialite Bernice Durst married Seymour Durst and was part of the Durst family.
What connected Bernice Durst to The Durst Organisation?
Bernice was married to Seymour Durst, who helped build The Durst Organisation, one of New York City’s greatest real estate corporations.
