Sonia E. Bernard

Sonia Elaine Bernard was born July 22, 1955, to Cecil and Vernice Abel in Upper Lincoln, Manchester, Jamaica, West Indies.  Sonia immigrated to the Bronx, NY when she was 16 years old where she resided with her family.

Academics played a major role in Sonia’s life.  Sonia studied at Bronx Community College before moving on to Mercy College, where she received her bachelor's degree.  31 fulfilling years of her career was spent at Citibank where she started as the Financial Analyst before becoming the Vice President of Finance.  Sonia used what she learned from work to help those in need.  Sonia was known as the managing director at home, where she maintained the home, set guidelines and handled the household finances.

 Sonia’s strong faith and spirit in God empowered her every move.  Sonia became a member of United Moravian Church where she allowed God to move her through different sights of the church.  Sonia served as a Trustee, member of the Jamaica Group and The Moravian Woman.  UMC’s Jamaica Group also had the pleasure of Sonia serving as Secretary, Treasurer, and President throughout the years.  Sonia and her family could also be found at every church group event, especially when it was supporting the youth of our generation.

As a member of CARD (Christian Action for Renewal and Development), Sonia served as the Treasurer.  She went above and beyond her intended role to make sure no stone was left unturned.  From creating program itineraries, seating charts for event venues, handling the finances, creating detailed budgets, as well as the behind-the-scenes logistics that no one ever saw.  Sonia was a powerhouse, and she believed in hard work, which helped her as a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant.  She moved into the position of a Sales Director and earned the Mary Kay Career Car.

While studying at Bronx Community College in 1977, Sonia met her love and now husband, Patrick Clinton Bernard.  The couple married on December 20, 1980.  The couple have two children, Jonelle and Patrick Jr., and Sonia became a bonus mom to Peter. Sonia’s love was so giving that she was a second mom to so many who encountered her presence. Sonia was a loving and dedicated wife and mother who left her blueprint with her physical, work and church family.

Sonia loved tennis. She would wake up early to watch tennis matches and go to live tennis matches when able. Sonia loved music and she could be found on the dance floor at events.  She was an excellent cook and was known for her oxtail and sweet potato pudding.  Sonia was a joy and bright light in so many people’s lives.  She was a mother, sister, aunt, godmother, friend, businesswoman, and a prayer warrior.

She leaves behind her husband Patrick Sr., children Jonelle, Patrick Jr., and Peter, sisters Pearline and Donna, brothers Evon, Winston and Junior, sister-in-law Ernell, sisters-in-law Ernell, Ann Marie, Andrea and Sandria, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, extended family and friends. She will be forever missed and always in our hearts.

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