Yvonne Carole Bernard

Yvonne was born in Washington, D.C., to Gertrude Biondi. In 1940, her family relocated to Belleair, Florida, where they became part of the growing coastal community. The family’s presence in Belleair was so notable that Evonaire Circle was named in her honor.

She graduated from Clearwater High School in 1952. Shortly after graduation, Yvonne proudly enlisted in the United States Navy, serving as a Wave nurse. During her time in the Navy, she met her future husband, Patrick Bernard. Their shared commitment to service and country formed the foundation of a lifelong partnership.

After her honorable discharge from the Navy, Yvonne returned to Belleair. When Patrick came home from serving in the Korean War, the couple made their home in nearby Clearwater, where they built a life centered around family and community.

Patrick Bernard preceded her in death in 1986. Yvonne is lovingly remembered by her children: Bernice Stoneberg; Daniel Bernard (Kathy); Norman Bernard; and Yvette Bittle (Donnie). She is also survived by her brother, Joe’A Biondi (Jamie), as well as 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense pride and joy.

Yvonne will be remembered for her strength, her dedication to her country, and the love she gave so freely to her family. Her life was one of service, resilience, and enduring devotion to those she held dear. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Yvonne was also a pioneer businesswoman in the Clearwater area. In 1978, at a time when business loans for women were far from common, she was approved for a $10,000 loan to open House of Make Believe Costume Store. What began as a small 1,800-square-foot duplex located behind the McDonald’s on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard soon grew into something much larger. With determination, creativity, and a love for theater and imagination, the shop eventually expanded into a custom-built 10,000-sq-ft store on the corner of Hercules Avenue and Palmetto Street. The store became a true family business. Children and grandchildren were raised among racks of costumes, fabrics, wigs, and props, growing into knowledgeable employees and proud participants in the magical world Yvonne created. Over the years, House of Make Believe became a beloved resource for individuals, community groups, schools, and theater productions throughout the Tampa Bay area.

One of Yvonne’s most trusted partners was Gertrude Biondi, who after more than twenty years as a hostess at the Carlouel Yacht Club, joined the store as its seamstress. Together they helped bring countless characters to life. The business proudly contributed costumes to more than fifty fully produced theatrical plays, often outfitting productions requiring 100 to 200 costumes. Among those she worked with were Betty Jane Pucci of City Players, Jason Fortner of Francis Wilson Playhouse, and numerous high schools throughout the Tampa Bay area. Each production brought creative challenges that Yvonne embraced with enthusiasm and success.

Yet some of her favorite moments were the small ones. If a young boy came into the store needing to dress as George Washington for a book report, Yvonne’s eyes would light up as she helped transform him into the character. She would encourage him to pretend he truly was George Washington so he would earn an “A.” And often, he did. Anyone who walked through the doors of the store was greeted by Yvonne’s warm and familiar words:

“What’s your pleasure?” And as customers left in costume she would proudly say, “You come in looking ordinary, and you leave looking like a star.”

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to support the arts in Yvonne’s honor: Clearwater High School Drama Department, Attn: Nick Sloan, 1951 Gulf to Bay Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33756.