Beverly A. Bernier

BARRE - With great sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Beverly Bernier, who passed away on October 10, 2025, at the age of 85.
Beverly was born in Barre, Vermont at the old Barre hospital. She was the daughter of William M. Emerson and Lois M. (Ingerson) Emerson, both deceased. She spent most of her childhood in Websterville, VT.
As a child, Beverly was vibrant and full of life, known for her colorful personality and ever-present smile. She loved wearing her hair in pigtails and enjoyed going brook trout fishing with her dad. She had many close girlfriends and often swam in the creek behind her grandparents' farm. A lifelong fan of country music, her love for it remained strong throughout her life.
Beverly married Kenneth Bernier Jr., Williamstown, Vermont, and together they had five children. At an early age, Beverly faced the challenges of a mental health condition, which led to a separation and shaped her life in unique and difficult ways. Despite these challenges, she lived with a distinct and special presence that touched those around her.
She had a love for fashion, always maintaining a tidy appearance and a fondness for shopping-especially for clothes and hats. Beverly enjoyed long walks and car rides, often just to observe and experience the world around her. Her gentle demeanor and radiant smile stayed with her into adulthood. She had a sweet tooth, a love for home-cooked meals, and always enjoyed a good restaurant outing. When time allowed, she cherished being with family-especially during holidays, cookouts, and celebrations.
Beverly lived independently for many years and later resided in several assisted living facilities, most recently Four Seasons Care Home in Northfield, VT. There, she found companionship and support. She considered Ashley and Courtney, as well as the staff, to be like a second family. She found purpose in helping others-setting tables, assisting with light chores, and running errands with the staff. She liked to stay active and was always eager to contribute.
She will be deeply missed for the unique presence and warmth she brought into our lives.
Beverly is predeceased by her parents William M. Emerson and Lois (Ingerson) Emerson; her stepmother Ella (Kennedy) Emerson; her brothers Willard Emerson and Alan Emerson; and brothers-in-law Gerry Brocher, Paul Donahue, and Andy Melendy.
She is survived by her five children: Wayne Bernier and wife Mary, of Corinth, VT, James Bernier and wife Susan, of East Barre, VT, Marc Bernier and wife Lori, of Graniteville, VT, Michael Bernier and wife Jane, of Orange, VT, Suzanne Douglas, of Foley, AL. Also surviving are her siblings: Carole Brocher, of Cornish, ME, Melanie Daniels and husband Keith, of Morgantown, PA, Susan Donahue, of Williamstown, VT, Pearl Melendy, of Williamstown, VT, Roy Emerson and wife Laura, of Barre, VT, and Sister-in-law Laurel Emerson, wife of Alan, of Elizabethtown, PA. She also leaves behind many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will continue to honor her memory.
A graveside service for Beverly will be held at Brook Haven Cemetery, Orange, VT on October 25, 2025, at 10:30 am.
Arrangements are in the care of Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home, 58 Summer St. in Barre.
Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at www.pruneaupollifuneralhome.com