Doris A. Bernhardt

Doris M. Bernhardt, 78, loving, devoted mother and best friend, departed from this world Saturday evening, July 3, with her daughters by her side.

She was born September 15, 1931 in Sebewaing to the late Russian immigrant parents, Nicholas and Anna (Kozlow) Shapow.
Doris graduated June 9, 1949 from Sebewaing High School and continued her education at Northeastern School of Commerce, completing the senior stenographic program, earning her diploma, July 14, 1950. During her studies, she was employed at Dow Chemical as an administrative assistant. Doris continued her employment at Dow until her marriage to John G. Bernhardt on September 15, 1951 at St. Francis Borgia Parish, Pigeon, followed by an all day reception at the Arbiter Hall in Sebewaing.
She was employed at the Box Factory, Elkton for several years, and then accepted a position as administrative assistant to the superintendent of Bad Axe Public Schools through April of 1973. During her career, she absolutely loved crafts, hobbies and was a life long member of the Altar Society at St. Francis. Her first love was raising her children, Doris' interest included knitting, sewing, ceramics, cake decorating, 4-H sponsor and maintaining a perfectly manicured yard with lots of flowers. In her later years, she loved baking for family and friends, watching the Food Network, puzzles, all MSU sports, the Tigers, Lions, mailing cards to brighten a friend's day, and her unconditional love from her cats, Lucy and Louie.
Doris is survived by her loving daughters, Tina Marie (Greg) Brill of Murphy, NC,and Linda Lou Bernhardt Gingrich of Belleville a son, Randy Bernhardt; her brother, Jim (Marge) Shapow of Dewitt; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, caring friends and neighbors, and her kitties Lucy and Louie. Preceding her in death were her husband, John; two daughters, Kathy Anne and Vicki Anne, a brother, William Shapow and son-in-law, John O. Gingrich.

A funeral mass will be celebrated 11:00 AM Thursday, July 8, at St. Francis Catholic Church, Pigeon. Rev. Fr. John Weis, pastor will officiate with burial in the church cemetery.
Friends may call at the Champagne Funeral Chapel, Elkton from 2 to 8 PM Wednesday and at the church after 10 AM Thursday.
Memorials may be donated to the Altar Society.