Brenda Cheryl Bernardi

Born in Redford, Michigan in 1958, Brenda excelled academically, finishing high school early and later graduating with a degree in physics from Central Michigan University. She was a trailblazer in her career as a scientist, often working as the only woman on her team. She made substantial contributions as a defense engineer throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

After taking time off to start a family, Brenda joined the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, where she issued patents for hundreds of new cutting-edge and advanced technologies until her retirement in 2023. She was a proud member of Mensa and remained active in the organization after retiring.

Brenda was also a devoted wife and mother, dedicating many decades of her life to raising two children. She took great joy in opening her home to family and friends, often hosting home-cooked meals and holiday gatherings. One of her favorite pastimes was travel; she was delighted to find more opportunities to take trips with her family in recent years.

Alongside her husband, Brenda successfully restored two historic 19th century homes in Alexandria, Virginia and Essex, Connecticut. In retirement, she focused her time on cultivating expansive gardens that became the focal point of her home. She was an avid runner, completing a half marathon at the age of 61. She was an incredibly talented pianist and had been learning to play the cello at the time of her death.

Brenda is survived by her husband, John; children, Lisa and Joseph; mother and stepfather, Judy and Roland Chisnell; father and stepmother, Wayman and Linda Holcomb; sisters Colleen McDuffie, Debbie Howland, and Amanda Yenerall; brothers Alan Holcomb and Tim Sanders; and beloved dogs, Juno and Millie. She is preceded in death by her sisters Donna Chisnell and Karen Holcomb and brother Glen Holcomb.

In lieu of flowers, you are invited to make a donation in Brenda’s honor to the Association for Women in Science at awis.org/donate-memorial-gift.

Please contact the family for service information.