Loretta Bernier
Niantic — Loretta M. Bernier a longtime resident of Niantic, passed away after a long illness, surrounded by the love of her family on Saturday, Nov. 17.
She was born to the late Dorothy and Francis Berube on July 16, 1933, in Northampton, Mass. She leaves her husband, Rene Henry Bernier and her three children: Rene of Spring, Texas, Paul of Danbury and Joel Bernier of Hudson, Mass., along with her grandchildren and the many friends and students she touched during her life.
Loretta worked for 20 years as the library media specialist at Old Lyme High School after returning to school and receiving her master’s degree in library science from the University of Rhode Island. She was active in numerous organizations including the American Association of University Women, the O’Neill Theater Center and Monte Cristo Cottage, the East Lyme Art League, Lyme and Mystic Art Associations and the East Lyme Library Board. Loretta was a longtime parishioner and volunteer at St. Agnes Church in Niantic.
Always inquisitive, Loretta took cooking and art classes for years. She was an excellent and generous cook whose apple pies warmed many hearts through the years. Loretta taught Italian cooking in Niantic and her award-winning pastels were exhibited and sold in Old Lyme, Mystic and East Lyme.
She “fell in love with, and married the boy next door” and spent the next 62 years with her constant companion and love of her life, Rene. They traveled, lived in Italy and have enjoyed each other’s company in sickness and in health.
Calling hours will be held at 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018 from at Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 13 Lake Ave., Niantic, 06357. A memorial service will immediately follow at 3 p.m., in the funeral home. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.
The family would like to extend sincere thanks to the many dedicated caregivers at Maplewood that were there for Loretta through her final illness. Donations in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Organization (www. alz.org), or to the charitable organization of your choice.