Elizabeth (Yelapi) Bernazzani

Brownfield, ME – Elizabeth (Yelapi) Bernazzani, 98, formerly of Norwood, MA, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, after a brief illness, with her children and grandchildren by her side. Elizabeth was born on December 1, 1927, in Norwood, to Rocco and Anna (Bilotta) Yelapi.

She attended Norwood High School, where she graduated second in her class as a Lane Scholar while speaking four languages. She went on to work at Plimpton Press before marrying the love of her life, John Bernazzani of East Boston.

Elizabeth and John first met as pen pals during World War II. Their wartime correspondence blossomed into a lifelong love story, and they were married upon John’s return from military service. Together they made their home in Norwood, where they raised their family of six children.

Family was the center of Elizabeth’s life. Affectionately known as “Lee,” she found her greatest joy in being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She cherished every family gathering and took immense pride in creating traditions and memories that spanned generations.

After many years as a florist at Rob Roy Florist in West Roxbury, MA, Elizabeth and John retired in 1985 to their beloved summer home in Brownfield, ME, eventually making it their permanent residence. Their home became a welcoming place where relatives and friends gathered each summer and during school vacations. Lee and “Johnnie” delighted in hosting family, especially their grandchildren, creating treasured memories that will live on for generations.

A lifelong Boston sports fan, Elizabeth proudly declared herself a fan of the Boston Braves and Boston Red Sox “since 1927.” She faithfully followed all of Boston’s professional sports teams throughout her life.

Lee will be remembered as an extraordinary cook, a wonderful dancer, a devoted wife, an adoring mother and grandmother, and a woman who considered herself truly blessed. Her children lovingly called her “Mother,” and her grandchildren simply knew her as “Grandmother.” Nothing brought her greater happiness than preparing a table filled with delicious food and surrounded by family. Though her days were busy, she always found time to faithfully correspond with relatives and lifelong friends.

Elizabeth was an active member of the Catholic Women’s Club at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, the Fryeburg Extension Group for many years, and the Local Garden Club.

She and John also volunteered as docents for the Historical Society at Spring Point Light, sharing their love of Maine’s history with countless visitors.

Elizabeth shared an especially close bond with her sister, Ann. Following the tragic loss of their older brother, Dominic, in a teenage automobile accident, the sisters became inseparable. Their families celebrated nearly every Sunday and every holiday together, creating a close family bond that continues among their children and grandchildren today.

Elizabeth is survived by three of her six children, Betsy Bernazzani, Chris Bernazzani and his partner, Tracy Liberty, and Ruth Bernazzani; ten grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 68 years, John Bernazzani; son, Jack Bernazzani; daughters, Noel McEttrick, and Ann Marie Bernazzani Yelapi; cherished grandson, Matthew McEttrick; brother, Dominic Yelapi; and sister, Ann Jemella.

Elizabeth’s legacy lives on in the family she so dearly loved, the traditions she created, and the countless lives she touched with her kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion.

Visiting Hours will be held from 11am – 1pm on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at the Conroy-Tully Walker, Cremation, Funeral, and Gathering Center, 300 Allen Ave. Portland, ME. A Funeral Service will begin at 1pm, family and friends are warmly invited to attend and celebrate Elizabeth’s remarkable life.
To view Lee’s memorial page, or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Elizabeth’s memory may be made to Fryeburg Rescue, P.O. Box 177, Fryeburg, ME 04037.