Veronica Claire Bernard, age 23, of LaGrange, IL passed away on Sunday, January 23, 2022.
Beloved daughter of Suzanne and Phillip Bernard; loving sister of Natalia and Alex; cherished granddaughter of Sherry & James Park, and Agnes & Raymond Bernard; dear niece of Raymond, Christine, Stephen, Adrianne, and David; and cousin and amazing friend to so many.
Born near Minsk, Belarus, and raised in Lagrange, Illinois since 2001, she brightened the world with her energy, and love of helping others. She is a Graduate of Lyons Township H.S., and Marquette University, and was a PhD Student at Rush University in Chicago.
Veronica’s passion for science, and her generous contributions are her lasting legacy.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to support the Veronica Bernard Memorial Fund at Rush University Medical Center. Please send memorial checks, made out to “Rush University Medical Center” to: Rush Office of Philanthropy, 28057 Network Place, Chicago, IL 60673-1280 or visit https://rushgiving.com/bernard
A Memorial Service is scheduled for Saturday February 5th, at 2:00PM, at Grace Lutheran Church, 200 N. Catherine Avenue in LaGrange, Illinois. The service is followed by a Gathering at 3:00PM, and will conclude at approximately 5:00PM. Please refrain from communicating her passing via social media.
Dear Mr and Mrs Bernard and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Veronica at Northwestern University since 2018. Her kindness and passion for science always stood out to me. She truly cared for others and I feel fortunate for the opportunity to have known her and work with her. I will miss her beautiful smile. May her beautiful soul Rest In Peace. Please accept my sincere condolences to the family.
Thank you
Veronica will always be someone so special to me. We met in 4th grade and the rest was history. My favorite memories with Veronica are when we were laughing so hard our stomachs would hurt. Growing up with her was the best part of my childhood. Im so thankful that she was there for me during the most difficult time of my life. She had so much compassion and love to give. She touched so many lives. I love you forever V.
Please accept our deepest sympathies on the loss of Veronica. My husband and I mourn along side you. You are lifted in the most fervent prayer to God on high. My He encircle you all with his love and peace.
I met Veronica at St. John’s carnival in 7th grade. She was a friend of a friend and came to the group with extra ride tickets, asking if anyone wanted to ride the Gravitron with her. Despite being very shy, I volunteered in part because I had been dreaming of riding, but was too embarrassed to admit I couldn’t afford any tickets, but mostly because of how warm and enthusiastic her energy was. I have never seen someone accept a stranger as a friend as quickly as Veronica did that day. Her immediate response to me was saying “let’s go!” with a huge smile, grabbing me by the hand, and running to the ride. It wasn’t a big deal for her I’m sure, but to me it is a core memory that will always remind me of how good it felt to be immediately and enthusiastically accepted as a friend and reminds me to channel some of her energy when making new connections. I really wish I could have told her how impactful that moment was to me that she no doubt gave a second thought to. She will be remembered so warmly with so much love. My deepest condolences go out to her family and loved ones.
Suzanne and Philip,
I am so deeply sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved daughter. I know how much she was loved. What a wonderful and accomplished life she had. I pray that in time her memory will bring a smile to your heart, and peace in knowing she knew how much you loved her.
Veronica will always have a special place in my heart. She was one of my close childhood friends. I moved out of state after we graduated. Even over all of the years of being apart we still kept in touch. She will be missed by so many. She was such a loving person. She Always made sure the people she was around were comfortable and happy. The memories and love she gave will never be forgotten.
Phil and Suzanne, I just found out. I don’t know what to say.
Mark Bacharach
We are so sorry for your loss. Veronica had a beautiful smile that brightened the whole area around her.
Thank you