Obituary of Bernadine Marie Burnat

Bernadine Marie (Dorak) Burnat, 86, of East Hartford, the wife of the late John C Burnat, Jr. passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on October 27th. Born in Larksville, PA, she was the daughter of the late Stephen and Helen (Elko) Dorak and had lived in East Hartford for the past 62 years.

Bernie graduated from Larksville High School and married her high school sweetheart, Jack, on August 1, 1959, at St. Stephen’s Roman Catholic Church in Plymouth, PA. The couple celebrated a wonderful 60 years together.

Bernie was a familiar and friendly face at the Bank of Boston (formerly Society for Savings) Silver Lane branch in East Hartford. Starting as a teller and advancing to Branch Manager before her retirement in 1994.

She was a long time parishioner and offertory counter at St. Christopher’s Church, East Hartford. As a ticket holder, Bernie cheered on many seasons of UCONN basketball and football teams. Bernie was a regular on the local craft show circuit. “Crafts by Bernie” sold dried floral arrangements and holiday décor. She was a snowbird, spending the coldest months of the year in Naples, FL. Bernie enjoyed gardening, golfing, coordinating family gatherings, travelling to national parks and baking. Ultimately, time with family was the centerpiece of her enjoyment, especially spending time with her five grandchildren.

She is survived by her children David Burnat and his wife Lisa of Farmington, CT, Robert Burnat and his wife Deborah of Riverview, FL and Michele Burnat and her wife Lesa Milas of Amston, CT; her grandchildren Melanie Burnat and her partner Matty Jollie of Naples, FL, Nicole and her husband Frankie Lugo of Apopka, FL, Jonathan Burnat of Torrington, CT, Jessica Burnat of Farmington, CT and Kayla Burnat of Woodstock, GA and her great grandchildren Owen and Dax Lugo of Apopka, FL and McKenna Jollie of Naples, FL. In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her sisters, Katherine Gula, Helen Yavorchak and brother, John Dorak.

The family would like to acknowledge the seven years of compassionate care provided to Bernie by Doreen Pare of Windsor Locks, CT. Over the course of their beautiful relationship, Doreen became Bernie’s closest confidante and best friend, a status earned by her unwavering commitment and love; a love that provided Bernie dignity and spiritual support and provided the entire family with peace of mind.

Family and friends may call at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home 219 West Center St. Manchester on Wednesday, November 1st from 5:00-8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, November 2nd at 10 a.m. at Saint Edmund Campion Parish, 538 Brewer St., East Hartford, followed by burial in Silver Lane Cemetery, East Hartford. Family and friends are requested to meet at the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to Alzheimer’s Association 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 Alzheimer's Association or Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary 375 Sanctuary Road W., Naples, FL 34120 Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. For online condolences, please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.