Judith Dobson "Judi" Bernardi

Judith Ann Dobson Bernardi: August 30, 1950 – October 4, 2025

No measure of words can truly pay enough tribute to the life of this wonderful woman, a woman who devoted her life to family, faith, her God and helping others less fortunate.

Judith "Judi" Dobson Bernardi, born to Edith and Gordon Dobson on August 30,1950, beloved wife of Ron Bernardi, sister to G. Rick Dobson (sister-in-law Diane Dobson) and Marlene Dobson Baker Merriman (brother-in-law John Merriman – deceased), mother to Tomagayle Egleston and Tonyagene Gomes, grandmother, great grandmother, sister-in-law, mother-in-law, aunt, cousin, friend, and mentors to so many.

Judi graduated from South Portland High School with the Class of 1968. After high school, she worked various jobs – from elevator operator, sales associate at K-Mart and Cooks Department Store, to various thrift stores, but, for fun, she was also known to have raced "powder puff" races at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway. Such a rebel soul!

Judi also loved travel, even later in life, always ready to hit the road for road trips throughout the United States to see the sites and visit family, whether it be by car or on the back of a motorcycle with the love of her life, Ron Bernardi, who she married in 1980. Together they embarked on a journey to become mission leaders in The Salvation Army, attending training school from 1993-1995. During their years of service, they were stationed in various locations: Huntingdon, Pennsylvania; Saugus, Massachusetts; Brockton, Massachusetts; Poughkeepsie, New York; and finally, Portland, Maine, where they embraced those suffering from sobriety issues, and where they both left a lasting impact in that area of care. Judi called them her "men" and was known to host annual Christmas banquets for those she took under her wing in this program. Judi and Ron retired to Anderson, South Carolina after 25 years of service with The Salvation Army in 2020.

Family… a word that embodied and encompassed this beautiful woman. Family meant everything to Judi. And she treated all people that came in contact with her as such. She gave so much love, no matter what the situation, with her sweet voice, calm demeanor, voice of reason, and at times, quiet sternness, if needed. When you were in her presence, she made you feel loved, appreciated and, well… like Family.

A large part of Judi's life, unfortunately, was spent battling various health challenges, certain of which over the years, were touch and go; yet she remained, handling each illness with dignity, courage and strength, rarely, if ever, complaining. Unfortunately, this final illness, which she battled for so many months, has taken this beautiful Earth Angel from us. Those of us left behind celebrate her and her legacy, with love and honor, wishing her safe passage. She will be forever cherished.

She was predeceased in death by her mother and father, Edith and Gordon Dobson, sister Loretta Coughlin and her husband Russell Coughlin, brother-in-law John "Jack" Merriman, great-grandson Luke Michael, niece Jennifer Tarr and great-nephew Arick Tarr.

She is survived by her daughters and their husbands Tomagayle Egleston (Lee), Tonyagene Gomes (Scott), sister Marlene Baker Merriman, brother and wife G. Rick Dobson (Diane), beloved grandchildren Kristine Michele, Aarin Michael, Thomas James and John William, and great-grandson Noah Michael; also, other "children" she acquired over the years – Jennifer and Mechelle, Cassey and Jaxson, Greg and his family. She also leaves many loving cousins, nieces, nephews and all those she served.

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31

The family will host Celebrations of life:

-October 18, 2025 at 1:00 pm – The Salvation Army, 112 Tolly Street, Anderson, South, Carolina

-November 29, 2025 at 1:00 pm – The Salvation Army, 297 Cumberland Avenue, Portland, Maine

Condolences may be left for the family by visiting WWW.MCDOUGALDFUNERALHOME.COM.