Ann (Bonitz) Bernardo, of Wayland, MA passed away peacefully early Saturday morning, June 7, 2025. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Carl, her sons Ted, Chris and Michael; Michael's wife Anissa and their children Andrew and Matthew. Ann was predeceased by her parents Edward and Grace Bonitz and dear sister Joan. Ann's father, a lawyer, instilled in her the importance of the written word and composition. She would use her talents as a writer throughout a long and diverse career.

Growing up in Belmont, MA, Ann was actively involved in Girl Scouts, fulfilling many accomplishments and attaining her top required recognition badges. Her summers were spent at Girl's Water Camp in Maine where she displayed excellence in swimming and watersports, overcoming challenges set forth by intense instructors. She often spoke of how her years in scouting and training at water camp built her confidence to take on challenges later in life.  Not the least of these being graduating from Regis College with a degree in nutrition. She went on to earn a certificate from the American Dietetic Association at Yale New Haven Hospital, as an ADA Registered Dietician.

After completing her studies, Ann began her career at Market Forge, a commercial kitchen equipment manufacturer. She traveled the country for weeks at a time, making presentations and demonstrating the company equipment at conferences and trade shows. Her work and extensive travel introduced her to all levels of business, further building her confidence and ease in working with people from all backgrounds.  One such assignment found her traveling to the Ford Motor Company World Headquarters in Dearborn Michigan to work with the personal chef of Henry Ford II in the reconstruction of the company's new executive dining room kitchen. During her time at Market Forge, Ann's presentations to state and local officials throughout the country impacted the then revolutionary US government program of providing hot meals to all public school children. Ann was one of three dieticians instrumental in creating the recipes behind these programs for the company. Following her time with Market Forge, Ann was appointed Director of Food and Nutrition for the Framingham School System, caring for a population of over 12 thousand students across 23 public schools. She redesigned the town's food service program, exceeding state and federal requirements, including drafting and proposing new budgets to the town.

Settling in Wayland to raise her family, Ann stepped down from her role in Framingham. When her children reached middle school age, she returned to Regis College as a fundraising assistant. At the dawn of the era of information technology in educational settings, Ann spearheaded the installation of the first main frame system and developed the IT Department at the college. Over a span of 20 years, Ann's responsibilities at Regis grew from fundraising assistant to Director of IT, to holding a seat on the Board of Directors.

From Regis, Ann transitioned to the Saint Mark's School in Southborough as Manager of Development Alumnae Programs. It was at St. Mark's where her skill with working with others became valuable. Her positive, upbeat and pleasant personality attracted people to her. Never letting other's opinions or politics interfere with lines of communication, Ann was able to bring teams of dedicated professionals together.  Most recently, after her professional retirement, Ann worked part-time as a receptionist at the Carriage House at Lee's Farm in Wayland, a retirement community. She loved interacting with staff, engaging with and assisting residents, and listening to their life stories.

Above all, Ann treasured the time spent with family. Along with her husband Carl, she spent untold hours transporting their children to various after school events, practices of youth football, basketball and baseball throughout Massachusetts. Her proudest moments were watching her children graduate from college, specifically Boston University Law School and The Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania while another son was working as an IT engineer.

Throughout her life, Ann's intellect, confidence and impeccable interpersonal skills have allowed her to achieve success in each of her varied endeavors. She will be dearly missed by all who have had the pleasure of working with and knowing her throughout the years.

Ann's life was celebrated at a Mass at St. Julia's Parish in Weston, Friday, June 13, 2025 followed by interment in Linwood Cemetery.

The Bernardo family would like to recognize the doctors and staff at the Mass General Brigham, Newton Wellesley Hospital Cardiovascular Department and Cancer Center for the outstanding care given to Ann. Donations in her memory may be made to Mass General Brigham, Newton Wellesley Hospital Cardiovascular Department and Cancer Center c/o the Development Office at https://www.nwh.org/development-office