Obituary: Claire Bernardo, 91, of Branford, formerly East Haven

Obituary courtesy of Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home:

Claire (Berti) Bernardo of Branford, formerly of East Haven passed way December 22, 2021 at St. Raphael Campus of Yale New Haven Hospital. She was born March 27, 1930 in New Haven to Anthony Sr. and Rose Berti. Claire is survived by her daughter, MaryAnne Bernardo of Branford, three granddaughters, Daniela Pechinski, Nicole Pechinski and Maranda Banfield (Brian) along with one great granddaughter, Ashlynn Parrino. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Anthony Bernardo Sr. (1981), son, Anthony Bernardo Jr. (2017) and a brother, Joseph Berti.

Claire was a loving, giving person; always a kind word about everyone. In addition to the love she had for her children and grandchildren, above all else was her love and devotion to God. Despite working full-time and managing her household, she played an integral role in the raising of her grandchildren. There was nothing that she would not do for them; as she had for her own children. She always put others needs before her own. Claire prided herself on being independent, and her strength showed through right to the end of her life. She experienced much grief and loss in her life, but her unwavering faith guided her day by day. She was an incredible mom, grandmother, great grandmother, and role model, and as her daughter, I am so very grateful for the strength and values she instilled in me and can only hope I can be as wonderful a mom, grandmother, person as she was.

Family and friends are invited to meet and attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at 11 A.M. in St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish at the Church of St. Vincent de Paul, 80 Taylor Ave., East Haven with Committal to follow at All Saints Cemetery, North Haven. Funeral services are under the care of the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven.