Bernadine Cannaliato Schernbeck

Bernadine Rosalie Cannaliato Schernbeck, age 80 of New Orleans, passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2014 of lung cancer. She was born to the late Louis “Lobby” Cannaliato and Manuela Balestra Cannaliato on February 21, 1934.
Bernie was a wonderful cook and thoroughly enjoyed handling the catering responsibilities for any event. She was an avid gardener and spent endless hours beautifying her yard and encouraging her neighbors to do the same. Bernie’s passion was her church community at First Assembly of God in Metairie. She was very involved in the women’s groups of the church serving as President of Women’s Ministries for many years and maintained the office of Advisor until the end. She was an ambassador for the Teen Challenge program and worked to minister in that area. She was also instrumental in cooking and serving countless meals following Katrina for volunteers who came to New Orleans.
Bernie is preceded in death by her husband Urbin J. “Cricket” Schernbeck, Jr., a brother, Pascal “Pat” Cannaliato and 2 sisters, Lena Cannaliato Ford and Rita Cannaliato St. Pierre. She is survived by 4 daughters, Kim (Mike) Sport, Toni Guthrie, Jo Hoddinott and Rene’ Alonzo. She had 3 grandchildren-Jenny Leigh Guthrie, Jonathan Wayne Guthrie and Marni Jo (Timmy) Demelo, 4 step grandchildren-Donny (Gwen) Faust, Debi (Sean) Moore, Sheri (Michael) Gilbert and Ross (Tasha) Sport and 11 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her beloved friend Horace Olinde, her Godsons Mike Ford and Joe Balestra and many other cousins, nieces, and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to CAGNO (Cancer Assn. of Greater New Orleans) www.cagno.org (504.733.5539) or First Assembly of God Church (504.887.7770). The family would also like to thank Bernie’s angels, Donna Eilers and Rhonda Rouhana for their compassion and immeasurable help during Bernie’s last days.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a memorial service at First Assembly of God Church, 2001 Transcontinental, Metairie, LA on Monday, December 1, 2014 at 11 AM. Visitation will be from 10 AM until funeral time. A private burial was held at Westlawn Cemetery, Gretna, LA. Mothe Funeral Homes in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the online guestbook please visit www.mothefunerals.com .