Evelyn Esther Bernard
Obituary
Evelyn Esther Bernard, 90, of Gonzales, Calif., passed away quietly at home on the morning of Oct. 14, 2023, surrounded by family. She was born Nov. 25, 1932, in Salinas, to Pierino and Cora Caccia. Evelyn was a lifetime resident of Gonzales.
Evelyn graduated from Gonzales High School, where she was one of the first girls to earn a Block G letter in all sports. She was also head majorette. After high school, Evelyn married Gonzales postmaster Richard L. Bernard in 1952, and they raised four children. Her various jobs included payroll and general bookkeeping positions. She was an active member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE), the Monterey County Swiss-American Club and La Ticinella, a Monterey County Swiss women's club.
Evelyn especially enjoyed sports, polka music and dancing. She spent countless hours doing volunteer work in her children's elementary school.
Evelyn will be fondly remembered by her family for her strength, her strong character, her love of family and her pride of maintaining her Swiss culture.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, Richard L. Bernard; her life partner, Lou Garcia; and her brother, Charles Caccia.
Evelyn is survived by her children: daughter, Rosann Pisoni of Gonzales; daughter, Robin Pearce of Salinas; son, Terrence Bernard of Easton, Maryland; and daughter, Max Blackwell of Salinas. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Burial services will be conducted at the Gonzales District Cemetery on Nov. 14, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow at the St. Theodore's Catholic Church Hall in Gonzales.
Those wishing to make a memorial gift may send a donation to Central Coast VNA & Hospice, 5 Lower Ragsdale Dr., Monterey, CA 93940 or Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.
Funeral Arrangements by Struve and Laporte Funeral Home.
Online condolences to www.struveandlaporte.com
Published in Salinas Valley Tribune · October 24, 2023