Carmen Bernal

A Life Well Lived: Celebrating the Remarkable Carmen Bernal December 7, 1935 - November 5, 2024 Carmen Bernal, lovingly known as Tati and G.G., lived a life filled with love, laughter, and endless curiosity. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Carmen was the heart of her family, leaving behind a legacy that will ripple through the generations. She is survived by her beloved children, Ivan, Robert, Nydia, and Sammy (her treasured son-in-law); her grandchildren, Marcos, Barbara, Jennifer, Manny, Phillip, Alexis, and Raquel; and a host of great-grandchildren, each of whom she cherished with her whole heart—and who cherished her in return. Carmen’s life was a masterpiece of both purpose and playfulness. Married to the love of her life, Manuel Joaquin Bernal, she was the vibrant matriarch who held the family together with her wisdom, humor, and boundless energy. Whether it was keeping pace with three generations of her family, mastering new crafts, or embarking on unexpected adventures, Carmen approached everything with a spirit of discovery and determination. She was a pioneer in her own right. While working at Bendix, Carmen was part of the groundbreaking team that contributed to the first moon landing—a memory she proudly shared as her family gathered around a black-and-white TV with rabbit-ear antennas to witness history. Later, at Loral Electronics, Carmen worked on the radar systems for F-15 fighter jets, blending her technical brilliance with an unstoppable work ethic. But Carmen’s genius extended far beyond her career. She was a creative soul who could knit, crochet, sew, and even chop down a tree all on her own—truly a force of nature. She had a gift for turning strangers into friends and uncovering cousins wherever she went. Her presence lit up every room, her laughter was infectious, and her stories were the glue of family gatherings. Carmen loved traveling, shopping, and tinkering with new projects. She approached life with a rare mix of whimsy and practicality, embodying faith, patience, and dedication. Her hands could fix anything; her heart could mend anyone. Though Carmen has left this world, her spirit will live on in the countless lives she touched. For generations to come, she will be remembered in the fond retellings of her adventures, her wisdom, and her delightful quirks. Rest well, Tati. Your light will never dim.