Elsa Bernardoni

Elsa (Montone) Bernardoni passed away on July 7, 2025, in her home surrounded by family.

  Born in Agropoli, Italy, Elsa was the daughter of Nicholas and Marie Montone. She immigrated to the United States at the age of 8, settling in Auburn where she was raised by Costabile and Carmella Montone grew up alongside her beloved cousins and built a life rooted in community, resilience, and love. She was especially proud of her childhood penmanship awards and was honored as a float princess on VE Day—a memory she treasured throughout her life.

  Elsa was predeceased by her beloved husband, Louis Carmen Bernardoni, and her sister, Virginia DiLallo (Montone) Santimaw. Together with Louis, she raised a close-knit family that became her greatest joy.

  She is survived by her devoted sons and daughters-in-law: Michael & Margaret Vasco, Louis & Peggy Bernardoni, Anthony & Debra Bernardoni and Joseph & Moira Bernardoni. She was a proud and deeply loved grandmother to Tommy Vasco, Amanda Vasco (Tim Guzlack), Anne Marie (Robert) Smith, Michael (Amy) Bernardoni, Paula Bernardoni (Kyle Moore), Tess (Corey) Page, Dominic (Kayla) Bernardoni, and Grace Bernardoni. Elsa was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren and a treasured niece, Toni Smart.

   She began her working life as a “fancy work” stitcher at Barr shoe factory and later worked at GE, where she picked up her famous collection of jokes. But it was as a school bus driver for the Auburn City School District, a role she held for 20 years, that Elsa found her true calling. She adored the children with disabilities that she drove, and they adored her right back—forming a community of families who, to this day, surround the Bernardoni family with love. Sheridan Street will always remember the joyful gatherings she hosted for family, friends, and neighbors. Whether she was walking to the Memorial Day parade with Dolores, chatting with Ann at the clothesline, or setting out a feast in the dining room, she brought joy wherever she went. Her home was filled with laughter, stories, and the irresistible smells of her Italian cooking. Her famous chicken cutlets, “hockey pucks,” and trays of cookies were made with love and devoured with gratitude. To sit at Elsa’s table was to feel like family. Elsa loved deeply and fiercely. She had a gift for welcoming all into her circle and making them feel cherished. Her legacy is one of unconditional love, community, and the simple, profound joys of a life well-lived. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to her extraordinary caregiver Ashley McBroom, whose kindness and care brought great comfort, and to Dr. Jeffrey Legrett and Amy Legrett N.P. , whose care went far beyond the call of duty. Their steady presence and genuine compassion meant the world to Elsa and her family.

  To know Elsa was to be loved by her—and to be reminded, often, that life is best lived with humor, food and family close by.

Calling hours are this Saturday, July 12th from 9:00 am until 10:30 am in Pettigrass Funeral Home, with her services to immediately follow at 10:30 am. Burial will follow the services in St. Joseph's Cemetery.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elsa Bernardoni, please visit our floral store.