August 24, 2013

Dick,
Sorry for your loss of a wonderful woman, Maria. I know I’ll always remember her watching my kids while you and I played softball for Armstrong. Take care,
Chuck and Debbie Wolf

August 23, 2013

Dear Rick and Family, I am so sorry for your loss.  Yet I find comfort in knowing Maria is “glowing” in the presence of the Lord moreso than we saw how she glowed in her life.  I am one person that considered her an inspiration and friend.  It has been a privilege to have known her.  I will keep you all in my prayers as I know she will be very much missed.  Sincerley.  Love, Cathy Sakewicz

August 23, 2013

Dear Dick and Family:  We are deeply saddened for your loss of Maria.  We were excited to meet you both, not to long ago, as you both were to become our new neighbors.  We will miss Maria too!  I’m glad we got to see and talk with her alittle over a week ago, when she said she wanted to cook.  Sounds like she was a magnificent cook.  She enjoyed looking out at our vegetable garden and was eager to get one going herself.  She is an ANGEL, among all who dwell in the House of Our Lord now.  May God help you find Strength in your grieving.
 
Kenneth & Deborah Minnerly 
 
 

August 22, 2013

Bernhardt Family,

May God will give you the strength to go through this difficult time.

We will be praying for you,
Chris & Fanny Wraback

August 22, 2013

We got to know Maria and Dick through Bocce Ball.  The first time we had a conversation she warmed my heart…it wasn’t like you were meeting her for the first time it was like you knew her for years.  She was always so happy and smiling…part of that happiness, I’m sure, was because of the love and support from her family all these years.  She truly was a person that made her mark in life by making people feel good and leaving an impression on all the lives she touch.  Earth is just our temporary home and she is an angel at home now.
Thinking of you and your family
Dot & Bruce Patterson

August 21, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with All the loved ones of Maria.  I had the pleasure of getting to know Maria while she was on 5East at Lancaster General Hospital.  She was truely an Amazing woman with such a supportive family. 

August 21, 2013

Dear Bernhardt family!  I was sad to hear of Maria’s passing.  May you find comfort in knowing that she is in a better place now with no more pain and suffering.  Through eternal life you all will meet again some day. My Prayers go out to you all at this difficult time.  God Bless you.  Lori (Fink) McCauley

August 21, 2013

It was with a great sense of loss when we heard of Maria’s passing.
Our hearts are truly saddened.
Maria wasa kind and gentle soul and more than just a wonderful friend.
We know that her passing will not only leave a void in our lives, but in the hearts of all those who knew and loved her.
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family during this sorrowful time.
I’m sure that you will rely on one another for support to get through this.
John & Christine Benfield

August 21, 2013

Dick, Rick, Beth, Xander, Madelyn, Samuel, David & children … God graced your family with one of the most amazing ladies EVER! Maria truly showed us all what it means to LOVE GOD’S WAY! You know that if every person in this world could have known Maria, our world would be a much better place. Just being in her presence made you want to be a better person! Praying for Joy in your hearts to know that she will no longer suffer and Peace & God’s presence to help you through this very difficult time of missing her so much!
Love to all of you!!  Craig, Sherrie, Rachel & Zach Peters  AND  George Price

August 21, 2013

Just a little note to let you know we are thinking about you. Joining a bocce team has been a nice way to meet new people and has led us to meet you and Maria.  We will never forget meeting Maria.  What can you say about a woman who always had a smile on her face no matter how she was really feeling, We are blessed to have known her fo even  that short period of time.  We are so sorry for your loss.   Thinking of you. Frank and Linda Provanzo

August 21, 2013

How very blessed are WE, just to have had the opportunity to know Maria! Her warm, caring, and generous spirit radiated through that unforgettable (and maybe just a LITTLE mischievious) smile. She truly had a special gift for making anyone feel welcome and comfortable in her presence. Our family will be eternally grateful to have known such an incredible person, even if it were for too brief of a time for our liking. We could never repay the generosity she showed us, but she will always hold a special place in our hearts. We find comfort, KNOWING that she is in a better place.  Heaven is definitely lucky to have her. 🙂  God bless Maria, Dick, and all of her beautiful family and friends. We pray for His grace, comfort, and healing for all those whose lives Maria touched so profoundly. 
 
Jason, Renee, and Peyton Fritz

August 21, 2013

My condolences to you all in the loss of one so dear.  Maria was always such an encouragement to John and me when we were part of Lititz GBC.  Always appreciated her sweet smile and pleasant personality.  She will indeed be missed.  Lucy Snow

August 21, 2013

Rick and Family,
We are so saddened by your loss and completely understand your grief. Your Mom was a Mom for everyone and an inspiration of faith.  I remember seeing your folks at LGH when my Dad was also there for testing–and we prayed together that day.  Maria is now healed and for that we give thanks.  Please accept our deepest sympathies and know you are being lifted in continual prayers
Patti and Emma Phillips and Barbara Anderson    

August 21, 2013

What a joy it was to know Maria.  She had a great sense of humor and a terrific smile.  Going out for dinner with our Italian group was always so much fun.  Talking about family & food; “how do yu make this or I make it this way” was always a favorite topic.  Maria was an inspiration to all of us. Her will and strength was like no one we’ve ever known.  She paid her price on earth and now she is an Angel watching over all of us.  God Bless you Maria & God give Dick & her boys the strentgh to go on. We love you Maria – Valerie & Greg Faiola

August 21, 2013

We are soory to hear of the loss of Maria, She was always a joy to be around, may God be with you and your family in this time. Len and I are now traveling and will not be in PA untill November. We will keep you in our prayers.
Peace,
Barbara and Len Bernas

August 21, 2013

May your family be comforted by your memories of Maria. Her life was symbolized by faith, love, and deep caring for all of thoses who lives she touched. We will miss her sweet smile and warm hugs. Love you all.
Tim, Kelly, Justin, and Phil Gerhart

August 21, 2013

Dear Bernhardt Family,
We are so sorry for your loss, and are praying for you all. Maria was such a vibrant spirit, I’m having trouble picturing her no longer with us. I know she is completely healthy and rejoicing with Jesus now, and I hope that gives you all comfort that she isn’t suffering, and that this isn’t the end. Please let us know if there is anything we can do other than pray.
Much love,
Lisa and Jay Hall

August 20, 2013

There is now another perfect Angel in heaven. Maria was a wonderful lady who touched everybody’s heart in differant ways. We loved Maria so much and we will also miss her beautiful smile and her warm heart. God Bless you Maria, and God Bless your wonderful family!

August 20, 2013

Thank you Maria for always modeling to others how to love. Our God is rejoicing in your homecoming and your example of living for Jesus Christ will be a legacy to your family and all others who knew you.  I have been priviliged and blessed to know you Maria! In Him alone, Del-Rae Rice