Suzanne Jane Berna

On May 13, 2024, at the age of 82, Suzanne Jane Berna left this earth to be with her God. Born in Duluth, MN on Nov 25, 1941, she was raised by her father and grandmother in DeKalb, IL. Marrying Rodney E. Berna of Burlington in 1959, they had two sons - Eugene and Howard. After her divorce, and due to health issues, she moved to Phoenix in 1978 where she met and committed to years of enjoyment with her life partner, Sandi Steele - in March they celebrated 44 years. She traveled the length and width of Arizona doing census work for the US Government. She was also your friendly Tupperware lady and Princess House representative. Suzanne was artistic and talented in so many ways and she enjoyed hours of creating hand-made cards; even winning a few ribbons at the State Fair for her beautiful, one-of-a-kind all-occasion cards that were never sold, but rather sent with love to her family and friends. Her family history can be traced back to passengers on the Mayflower and she was a proud member of the Mayflower Society.

Suzanne is preceded in death by her father, Samuel “Sam” H. Stewart, her great grandson Matthew Converse, her mother Doris G. (nee Purdy) Bassett and various aunts, uncles and cousins of DeKalb, IL.

She is survived by two sons, Eugene Berna (Tina) of Lake Havasu City, AZ and Howard Berna (Catherine) of Sarasota, FL. Six grandchildren: Stephanie Isgro of Lima, OH; Kristin McDaniel of Madison, WI; Adam Berna of Surprise AZ; Alyssa Berna of Smithfield, NC; Llyswen Berna and Linnet Berna of Portland, OR. Ten great grandchildren: Kristina, Jacob, Leah of Lake Havasu; Meiah of Lima; Scarlett, Sofia and Brayden of Surprise; Parker of Madison; Zander and Sofia of Smithfield. Also, her stepmother, Rita Stewart.

She successfully lived the life that her doctors thought she would never have. However, her diabetes, fibromyalgia and back pain created many challenges affecting her mobility for years. May she now enjoy the pain-free peaceful rest she so deserves.

A memorial service for Suzanne will be held Tuesday, May 28, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a graveside service from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM and then a catered reception will occur from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, at Phoenix Memorial Park located at 200 West Beardsley Road, Phoenix, AZ 85027.