Mildred D. Bernard

Lansing, NY

Mildred D. Bernard, age 85, of Peruville Rd., Lansing, passed away peacefully at home in the presence of family on November 27, 2014.

Born April 4, 1929, in New York City, Millie was the daughter of the late Simon and Dolores (Matheu) Cerezo. At the age of seventeen Millie met her future husband, Victor Jose Bernard, Sr., and they enjoyed over fifty years of marriage until Victor’s death in 1997, at which point Millie moved to Lansing to be near her daughters. Living upstate opened a whole new world to Millie and she thrived here, traveling about town in her red Volvo. She took great pride in completing her GED at the age of 70. A lady of many talents, she loved sewing, crocheting, knitting and created many blankets, tablecloths and other items that will be treasured by family for years to come. Millie liked the company of her dogs, especially Piccollo, Lady and Yuki. She enjoyed working crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and recently beat the entire family at her final scrabble game. Always up for a trip to Finger Lakes or Turning Stone Casino, Millie also loved playing the Monday evening Bingo games here in Lansing. Aside from all her activities, time spent with her grandchildren was most precious.

Millie is survived by her children, Victor J. Bernard, Jr. (Judith) of MO, Dori V. Nardi of Alpine, Consuelo P. Bernard (David Spaker) of Lansing, Steven Centeno (Ann) of Ithaca; grandchildren, Alejandro Bernard-Papachryssanthou (Alice Ball) of Ithaca, John E. Nardi, Jr. (Jeannie) of Long Island, Joseph J. Nardi (Melissa) of Long Island, Jennifer Jean Parker (Jason) of VA, Jamieann Marie DeBenedetto (Michael) of FL, Shane Spaker (Omayra) of Moravia, Jason Spaker of Brooklyn, Timothy Eric Bernard, Kristine Bernard of CA; twelve great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren, two brothers, Simon Cerezo, Jr., of D.R., Lizardo Cerezo of FL; and a large extended family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Millie’s memory may be directed to Better Housing of Tompkins County, 950 Danby Rd., #102; Ithaca Office of the Aging, 214 W. State St.; or Foodnet, 2422 Triphammer Rd., all in Ithaca, NY 14850.

Family will be present to receive friends from 11am-1pm, Saturday, December 6th at Lansing Funeral Home, 32 Auburn Rd., Lansing, NY. A funeral service, officiated by Frank Payton, will begin at 1pm. Burial at Ludlowville Pine Grove Cemetery in Lansing will be delayed until spring.