Helena Marie Bernier, 99, died on March 12, 2024. She was the widow of Richard Joseph Bernier who died in 1997. They married on October 2, 1948 and shared 48 loving years together.

Born in Springfield, MA, she was one of seven children of Arthur A. and Helen A. Opitz.

She was the mother of eight children, three of whom died previously: Margaret Lassiter, Joan Bernier and Anne Bernier-Akers. Her surviving children are Mary Southern, Kathleen Saville, Frank Bernier, Joseph Bernier and Michelle Bernier. She had 15 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will gather for a celebration of life. At a later date, there will be a graveside service and interment to join her husband at the National Cemetery in Raleigh, NC.