Alberta “Abby” (Belden) Bernier, 89, of West Hartford, beloved wife of the late Alward “Al” C. Bernier, passed away peacefully, Sunday, August 21, 2011 at St. Francis Hospital. Born August 25, 1921 in New Haven, she was the daughter of Dorsey & Blanche (Greene) Belden. Abby resided in Hartford most of her life, working at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft during World War II. She left Pratt to settle and start a family with Al, and raised their six children in Hartford. She later worked with Al at the Hartford Municipal Employees Federal Credit Union. Abby was very giving and enjoyed doing volunteer work at St. Augustine Food Pantry. She was an avid gardner, and loved to travel, making several memorable trips to England, California, and Montana. In addition, Abby enjoyed playing Scrabble, solving crossword puzzles, watching Jeopardy, and playing cards, most especially Pinochle. Her most favorite pastime of all was rooting for the UCONN Womens’ Basketball team. Abby will be fondly remembered by her loving family; a daughter and son-in-law, Judith Holmes and David Erlandson, of East Hampton; four sons and three daughters-in-law, Paul Bernier of West Hartford, John & Dottie Bernier of Rocky Hill, James & Annmarie Bernier of West Hartford, Michael & Anne Bernier of Andover; a daughter-in-law, Mary Bernier; a sister-in-law, Ann Mulready; six adoring grandchildren, Peter Bernier and his wife Susan, Jennifer Santarini and her husband Michael, Dan Bernier and his wife Mary, Rick, Kenneth, and Thomas Bernier; four cherished great grandchildren, Brigid, Conor, Owen, and Alexander. Along with her husband and parents, Abby was predeceased by a son, Peter Bernier, and her brother, Paul Belden. The Bernier family will receive relatives and friends Tuesday, August 23, 2011 from 5-8pm at the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 34 Beaver Rd., Wethersfield. Funeral procession will be Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 10am from Farley-Sullivan, with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Abby’s life at 11am in St. Augustine Church, 10 Campfield Ave., Hartford. Interment will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery (Section29), 453 Fairfield Ave., Hartford. The Berniers’ request in lieu of flowers, and that memorial donations be made in Abby’s name to either the American Lung Association, 45 Ash St., East Hartford, CT 06108-3272 or the American Cancer Society, 825 Brook St., I-91 Tech Center, Rocky Hill, CT 06067. To extend online condolences or for further information, please visit farleysullivan.com.
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