Aileen Bognuda Bernard

Aileen Bognuda Bernard, 87, died Friday, Feb. 28, 2014, in Atascadero. Aileen was born in March 1926 in Santa Maria to Swiss immigrant Louie Bognuda and the longtime pioneer Swiss family of Merilda Donati. She held strong ties to her Swiss heritage. Her first language was a dialect of Swiss-Italian which she proudly spoke to her last day. Aileen was also an avid gardener, excellent cook and loved animals. She was known for always speaking her mind. Aileen graduated from Santa Maria High School in 1944. In 1946, she married Michael Kolibas of Ohio and they had three sons Michael Jr., Bruce and Darrell. Widowed at a young age in 1969, Aileen went to work as a cook at Valley Community Hospital in Santa Maria. Aileen re-married in 1971 to Joseph Bernard. They lived briefly in Atwater, Calif. In 1972, Aileen and Joe moved to Los Osos, where she resided until 2011, when her illness required her to move into assisted living in Atascadero. The family wishes to thank Mr. Willey Holloway and Doctors Thom, Perkin, Schecter, Oldenberg and those at French Hospital who cared for her with compassion. Aileen is survived by her sister, May Costa of Sisquoc, Calif.; grandchildren Michelle, Amy, Todd and Andrew (Karena); great-grandchildren Adriana, Glenn, Gavin, Grant and Michael; a great-great grandchild Angela; beloved dogs Spider and Bella; and numerous cousins in Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand and California. Cousins Betty, David, and Dale Domenghini were her close friends through the years. Aileen was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, and three sons. At 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 6, 2014, the rosary will be recited, followed by the Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m., at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 360 Park Ave. in Cayucos, with Fr. Thomas Hayes O.P. officiating. Interment will follow at San Luis Cemetery, with a reception at the Elks Lodge, 222 Elks Lane in San Luis Obispo. Donations may be made in Aileen's name to St. Joseph's Catholic Church, an animal shelter of your choice or your favorite charity. Wheeler-Smith 543-6871 San Luis Obispo