Alba Luz "Lucy" Bernardi

Alba Luz Bernardi, lovingly known as “Lucy,” passed away on October 10, 2025. She was born on August 6, 1945, in Puerto Rico to Dimas and Inez Acevedo. The oldest of eleven children, Lucy moved to Michigan at a young age, where she built a beautiful life rooted in love, family, and faith. While working at Dairy Queen, she met the love of her life, Elpidio “Junior” Bernardi. The two married in 1961 and began their lifelong adventure together. They built a home in Carleton, Michigan, where they raised their family and ran a racehorse business side by side.

Lucy was known for her kindness and hospitality—her door was always open, and there was always room at her table. She never met a stranger and shared meals and laughter with everyone who crossed her path. A strong, take-charge woman who never backed down, Lucy was also deeply loving and nurturing. She passed that strength and compassion down to her daughters, who proudly carry her legacy forward. 

An avid gardener with a special love for roses, Lucy found joy in the simple beauty of tending her flowers—and if you visited her in later years, there was a good chance you’d be put to work pulling a few weeds. She was creative, dedicated, and a wonderfully “over-the-top” mother who poured her whole heart into her family. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she adored every moment spent with them.

Lucy is survived by her daughters Lisa (Joseph) Putnam, Michelle (Steve) Roberts, Monique Lindstrom, and Angelique (Michael) Highers; grandchildren Joey, Eric, Zachary, Gabrielle, Nichole, Josh, and Erica; and several great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings Nereida Sawyer, Freddie (Richard) Salinez, Inez Acevedo, Maria (John) Orlanda, Alma Acevedo, Elizavel Acevedo, and Dimas Acevedo.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Junior, and her siblings Zoraida (Joe) Zrepskey, Elva (Louis) Montez, and Andrew Acevedo.

A celebration of Lucy and Junior’s life will take place, with burial to follow at St. Hedwig Cemetery in Michigan, October 30,2025 at 1:30. Family will meet at the mausoleum and then proceed to the burial site.