Sunnyvale

Eleanor "Ellie" Bernhardt, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2024, in Raleigh, NC, surrounded by family after a brief battle with leukemia.

She was 91 years old. Ellie was born toMary and Clayton Burt on June 7, 1933, in Avalon, PA. Along-time Sunnyvale, CA resident for over 60 years, Ellie was married to Robert “Bob”

Bernhardt for 49 years before his passing in 2004.

Together, they raised two children, Julie and Rob, and built alife fulloflove, faith, service, and community.

Ellie and Bob were charter members of the Fairbrae Swim and Tennis Club, where they found great enjoymentinplaying tennis and socializing with other families. They formed many lifelong friendships there, adding to the deep connection they shared with theircommunity.

Ellie wasadevotedmem- ber of Los Altos United Methodist Church for 40 years and an active volunteer in her community, giving hertime toschools, the Girl Scouts, and more.

Aformer schoolteacher, Ellie was passionate about education and nurturing young minds. She wasalso aLife Master inthe American Contract Bridge League, anavid reader, and aworld traveler.

A woman of strong faith and incredible resilience, Ellie survived cancer three times and lived her life with grace and courage.

She was atrusted confidant and advisor, known forher wisdom, loyalty, and deep friendships. Ellie’s legacy of love, strength, and faith will live oninthe hearts of those who knew her.

Ellie is survived by her daughter Julie Parker and son-in-law Anthony; their children Anna and Logan, Anna’s husband Michael, and their two children Emma and Paul; son Rob and his wife Carolyn, and their four children Cameron, Christopher, Carissa, and Christianne.

She isalso survived byseveral cousins, four nieces, andtwo nephews.

A memorial service celebrating Ellie’s life will be held on Saturday, October 19 at 2:00 p.m. at Los Altos United Methodist Church, 655 MagdalenaAve, Los Altos, CA 94024, with a reception immediately following.

All who knew and loved Ellie are invited to attend and wear blue in honor of her favorite color.