Elizabeth Bernhard Obituary

Elizabeth "Libby" Bernhard
05/19/2022
Bernhard, Elizabeth Ann Prosser, age 96 of Fairfield, beloved wife of Howard W. Bernhard entered into eternal rest on May 19, 2022. Libby was born in Throop, PA on January 18, 1926, daughter of William & Anna Prosser. Libby met Howie while attending Bassick High School. The high school sweethearts married at First Presbyterian Church, then located in Bridgeport on the corner of State Street & Myrtle Ave., on April 15, 1950 and celebrated 66 years of marriage before Howard's 2016 passing. They joyfully welcomed a son and a daughter. Libby was an active member of First Presbyterian Church for 75 years where she enthusiastically participated in everything Presby!
Her strong faith was central to all she did. She was an accomplished accordion player who regularly played her favorite tunes. She spent free time at the piano, accordion or composing poetry for friends and family. As a child her dad and beloved brother Bill played the piano, accordion, harmonica and guitar together. She & Howie made regular trips to their place on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire and hosted countless guests there over the years. Nothing delighted her more than caring for her grandsons when they were young. She penned a book entitled "My Three Grandsons Gems" which captured their cute comments and funny childhood moments. It is priceless!
Libby is survived by a son, William H Bernhard of Victoria, VA and daughter, Sue Donegan and her husband Mark of Fairfield. She is survived by grandsons Daniel Donegan and his wife Danielle, Ryan Donegan and his wife Meaghan and Connor Donegan and his fiancée Emily Pleszko. Her four great-grandchildren, Reagan, Sean, Harper & Colleen Elizabeth Donegan loved to regularly visit with Nanie and brought her much joy. Aunt Libby and Auntie Butt (pronounced Boott) is survived by several nieces and nephews whom she adored. She is also survived by her dear sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Elaine & Donald Brown. Memorial Services will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Fairfield at 2475 Easton Turnpike on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 10 AM. Please omit flowers. Donations in Libby's memory would be preferred to First Presbyterian Church, 2475 Easton Turnpike, Fairfield, CT 06825.