Carolyn Bernier

Portland – Carolyn D. Bernier died on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Scarborough.

Carolyn was born in Waltham, Massachusetts on May 30, 1939, the daughter of the late Robie and Carolyn DeBlois. In 1961, she married Marshall “Bookie” Bernier, of Sanford, Maine. Together they raised their three sons in Sanford.

Carolyn was an artist at heart. She excelled in calligraphy and print design, a skill that she used in her work at Edison Press. Carolyn made clothing for her children when they were young; she sewed, knitted and crocheted. Her handiwork evolved into quilting, and she crafted award-winning quilts for fundraisers, for loved ones, and for work. Hand-stitching was her specialty, and each quilt she made included a handcrafted label.

When Bookie suffered a stroke, she cared for him for 15 years until his death. She was loyal to the people she loved and made many friends in Maine and in Florida. Carolyn loved the ocean, seafood, and lighthouses, and collected sea glass all her life.

When dementia settled in, she spent the last few years of her life at the Maine Veteran’s Home, with the compassionate support of the staff and friends there. Her family will always be deeply grateful for their care.

In addition to her parents, Carolyn was predeceased by her husband Marshall in 2006, and by two brothers; Courtney DeBlois and John DeBlois, and sister-in-law, Bonnie Bernier.

She is survived by three sons; Michael Bernier and his wife Julie of South Portland, John Bernier and his wife Michelle of Clinton, MA, and Brian Bernier and wife Michele of Portland. Carolyn is also survived by her brother-in-law, Peter Bernier; grandchildren; Matthew, Catherine, Luc, Claire, Shane, Taylor, and Shelby; also survived by her great-grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and beloved nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10AM on Friday, May 29, 2026, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street, Portland. Immediately following the mass at Cathedral, a luncheon will be offered in the Monsignor DiMingo parish hall on Federal Street. All are welcome. Private burial will take place at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the new Conroy-Tully Walker Cremation, Funeral and Gathering Center, 300 Allen Avenue, Portland. To view Carolyn’s memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Carolyn’s memory may be made to St. Jude’s Research Hospital for Children, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, Tennessee 98105.