Elsie Bernardini passed away peacefully at home on December 7, 2014, at the age of 85. She is survived by her five children, Susan (Howard), Carol (John), Joseph, Jeffrey and Angela (David); 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She was a dear aunt to the nieces and nephews who survive her. Elsie was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years, Angelo Bernardini. She was born to Marion Gale and Paul Chinchar in Depauville, a small farming town near Clayton, NY, on June 6, 1929. She moved to Syracuse at a young age to find work and there she found Angelo, the love of her life. After her children were in school, Elsie began her career as a tax preparer and bookkeeper. She was smart, self-taught and successful. She was proud to have over 150 clients when, in 2002, she was forced to retire and sell her business due to declining health. Elsie was a voracious reader, loved to talk politics and watch the news. She also loved to listen to talk radio and watch Judge Judy every day she could. She started every morning with a cup of coffee and a phone call to her daughter, Carol, so they could tackle the Post-Standard crossword puzzle together. She was an engaging conversationalist and enjoyed being around her friends and family. She was a skilled card player and taught her children and grandchildren how to play poker and pinochle. Upon learning she had terminal cancer this September, Elsie accepted her diagnosis with grace and dignity. Elsie enjoyed her last few months of her life surrounded by the love of her family and primary care giver, Nancy Dortzbach. She was a survivor and lived her life on her own terms with courage and her unique personal style. Her family and friends will miss her dearly. Funeral services will be Saturday at 11 a.m. in MATHEWSON-FORANI FUNERAL HOME, INC. Calling hours are 9 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home, 206 Kinne St., East Syracuse, NY, prior to the service. Entombment in Woodlawn Cemetery. Donations may be made in her memory to the food bank of CNY.

Published in Syracuse Post Standard from Dec. 9 to Dec. 12, 2014