Helen G. Bernardi's Obituary
Helen Gertrude Bernardi (Zenchenko) entered eternal life on Friday, July 2, 2021. Her spirit is carried on by her two children, six grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, one surviving sibling, a niece who was like a daughter, and an extended family of relations and friends from every walk of life.
Helen was born January 23, 1930, in the small coal mining town of Sagamore, PA. She was raised on a farm by her mother Pauline Zenchenko, alongside her siblings. In the early 1950’s, Helen met the love of her life, a decorated war veteran, who became her beloved husband, the late Frank Bernardi, a.k.a. Handsome. Together Frank and Helen raised 3 magnificent children: Frank, Susan, and Lisa in Pleasant Hills P.A.
Helen enjoyed being a homemaker for her husband and children, where you would find her blissfully hanging clean laundry, preparing garden-fresh produce for canning, cooking a delicious meal for the evening dinner, or baking a pie or cake, or both. Helen would not allow you to leave the Bernardi residence hungry.
Many agree that Helen was “one of a kind” from the greatest generation. She was friendly to almost everyone she met and was the first to strike up a conversation with strangers. Helen was sharp witted. You would often find her laughing, telling a funny story, or catching you off guard with a clever remark. She was a force to be reckoned with, she never held anything back from you, and you always knew there would be excitement with her around. This was true until the very moment she passed.
Helen was an avid shopper of all things. She had a keen eye for a good deal, and great taste when it came to jewelry, fashion, food, and décor. You would often find her evenings and weekends filled with dancing, diner parties, and many social events; at which she was always the best dressed. Helen liked to have a good time no matter the occasion.
Helen had great regard for wildlife, nature, her family, her social groups, and bakery treats. She had a notorious sweet tooth. It was not uncommon for her to have five or six different pastries or cakes at her house, at any given time. One of her most cherished hobbies for many years was her membership to the Pittsburgh Lithuanian Club, of which she and her fellow country women attended many traditional ceremonies and trips throughout the United States. Helen was well traveled and visited places throughout the United States, and Europe.
Helen truly enjoyed God’s gifts throughout her time here.
Helen leaves to cherish her memory her children Frank Bernardi, and Lisa Watson; son-in-law Miles Caughey; grandchildren Frank Heeg, Melissa Caughey, Laura (Heeg) Yutzy-Warner (Jesse Daniel Warner), Miles Caughey, Michael Watson (Sherry Watson), Rena (Watson) Rankin (Charles Rankin); great grand-children Brittnee Yutzy, Megan Yutzy, Noah Warner, Ethan Warner, Morgan McCoy, Michael Watson III, Angelia Watson, Colton Watson, Elliana Rankin, Everett Watson and Emma Rankin; sister Wanda; and niece Marlene.
Helen is reunited with her parents, Paul, and Pauline, her favorite debate partner, and beloved husband Frank Bernardi, as well as her cherished daughter Susan (Bernardi) Caughey.
She will be missed by her family and friends.
Friends will be received on Friday, July 9th from 10A.M.-12 P.M. at the JEFFERSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pittsburgh, PA, 15236.
A Funeral Service will be held following visitation at 12 P.M. in the funeral home chapel.
Condolences may be left at www.jeffersonmemorial.biz
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