Joan Bernardi

Joan A. Bernardi passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on February 5, 1940, in Upton, Massachusetts. Joan was a longtime resident of Holliston, Massachusetts, before moving with her family to Florida in 1979.

Joan dedicated 18 years of her career to Sprint, where she worked as an accounting analyst before retiring in 1997. Never one to sit still, she later started her own company providing contract labor for many small businesses. She also found great fulfillment working as a caregiver with Home Instead, where she continued doing what came naturally to her-caring for others with compassion, patience, and kindness.

Joan's life was defined by service to others. As an usher at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, she welcomed everyone with warmth and made each person feel seen and valued. She had an extraordinary servant's heart and was always looking for ways to help those around her. Whether checking on a neighbor, bringing her homemade chicken soup to someone who was ill, or feeding the homeless, Joan lived a life rooted in generosity and compassion. Her selflessness and unwavering love for others earned her the affectionate nicknames "Saint Joan" and, to many who knew her best, simply "Angel Joan."

Family was the center of Joan's world. She was an incredible Italian cook who delighted in bringing everyone together around the table. She took great joy in teaching her children and grandchildren treasured family recipes that will continue for generations. Her homemade lasagna, apple pie, and Italian cookies became family favorites, each made with love and always shared generously.

Many in the community also knew Joan as the beloved Publix Cookie Lady. With her warm smile, gentle spirit, and genuine kindness, she brought joy to countless children and families. Whether at church, in her neighborhood, or at Publix, Joan had a remarkable gift for making every person feel welcomed, valued, and loved.

Joan also had a wonderful sense of humor. She was a playful prankster who loved making people laugh and creating memories that her family and friends will cherish forever. She was remarkably open-minded, accepting of everyone she met, and believed everyone deserved kindness, respect, and a place at her table.

Joan was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald Bernardi.

She is survived by her loving daughters and their families: Jennie and Harold Freeman of Sorrento, Florida; Linda Garrett of Winter Springs, Florida; and Sheila and Philip Jordan of Charlotte, North Carolina. She also leaves behind five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were forever enriched by her love, generosity, and unwavering faith.

A viewing will be held in the chapel at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church 30 minutes prior to the Funeral Mass on August 13, 2026 at 11am. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 720 12th Street, Clermont, Florida 34711. Graveside services and burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery, 3329 East Semoran Boulevard, Apopka, Florida 32703.

Though Joan's family will miss her deeply, they find comfort in knowing that their beloved Angel Joan is watching over them always. Her love did not end with her passing-it lives on in every family meal shared, every act of kindness offered, every laugh between loved ones, and every life she touched. Her legacy is one of faith, generosity, compassion, and unconditional love, and her spirit will forever remain a guiding light to all who were blessed to know her.

Our Angel Joan has earned her heavenly wings and will forever watch over the family and friends she loved so dearly.