Carol Bernhardt

Carolyn Kay Bernhardt, age 82, went peacefully in her sleep to be with her Savior Jesus Christ on September 24, 2024. Carol was a 1959 graduate of Grandville High School. She was a bus driver for Kenowa Hills schools and retired after working many years at Saint Mary's Hospital.

Carol appreciated the simple things in life and spending time with those she cherished most. No matter how busy life became, family and friends were always Carol's first priority. Visitors to her home of 64 years were always welcome and greeted by the infamous M&M dispenser, treated to interesting conversations that ranged from Alberda family history to the evolution of dance, or challenged to the decades "old family made" marble game. Carol was loved and will be greatly missed.

Carol was a strong and dedicated mother to five children and grandmother to 13 grandchildren. She is survived by son Michael (Shanna) Russo and their children, Olivia and Gabriel, daughter Pamela (Gordon) Jendritz and their children, Stephen, Matthew, and Elise, son Timothy (Kimberly) Russo and their children, Jessica, Zachary (Danielle), Ashley (Travis), and Alex, son Thomas (Aida) Russo and their children, Cara (Dan) and Spencer (Emma), and daughter Patricia (Phillip) Harmon and their children Halie (John) and Madelyn, and great grandchildren, Axl, Ryker, Bentley, Veya, Emerson, Roman, John, Myles, Maisy, and Jack. She loved attending her kids' and grandkids' school and sporting events. They were always the center of her world. She is also survived by her siblings Jerry (Jeanne) Alberda, Steve (Kathy) Alberda, and Chris (Ron) Cochran.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband William "Fred" Bernhardt, parents Ethel and Matthew Alberda, and brother Donald Alberda.

On Monday, September 30th from 5 PM to 8 PM visitation will be held at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes 2120 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. On October 1st, at Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 2510 Richmond St. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504 at 10 AM there will be a pre visitation followed by a memorial Mass at 11 AM that will be celebrated with a luncheon served for all in the church community center. All are welcome to attend the Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery beginning at 2 PM.

Memorials may be made to the Michigan Veterans Home.