Suzanne (Benton) Bernardini

Suzanne (Benton) Bernardini, 78, of Conneaut, Ohio, passed away on February 19, 2026

Born April 16, 1947, in Bradford, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Oscar F. and Virginia (Dana) Benton. Suzanne graduated from Bradford High School in 1965 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education (K–12) from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1969. Suzanne began her teaching career at the Martha Lloyd School for Girls in Troy, Pennsylvania, where she taught during the 1968–1969 school year. She then taught in Central Bucks County in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, from 1969 to 1971.

On May 1, 1971, Suzanne married Jay B. Bernardini. Following their marriage, the couple moved to New Castle, Pennsylvania, where she taught for the New Castle City Schools from 1971 to 1974. In 1974, the couple moved to Conneaut, where they both began teaching for Conneaut Area City Schools at Chestnut Elementary School. Dedicated to lifelong learning and educational excellence, Suzanne earned her Master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from The Ohio State University in 1976.

Suzanne later became a GED instructor for the Ashtabula County Adult Basic and Literacy Education (ABLE) Program. She continued advancing her expertise, earning her Adult Education Administration Certification from Kent State University in 1982. Suzanne went on to serve as Director of the ABLE Program for 22 years, helping countless adult learners achieve their educational goals before retiring in 2008. In 2011, she was elected to the Conneaut School Board, where she served until 2022.

Suzanne was more than an educator; she was a devoted member of the Conneaut community and throughout Ashtabula County. She gave her time and talents generously, serving on the Conneaut Port Authority, Chamber of Commerce, Board of Tourism, and Bicentennial Commission, as well as the Ashtabula County Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, the Ashtabula County Literacy Coalition, Literacy Volunteers of America–Ashtabula, and as an Administrative Board member for the First United Methodist Church. Through all of this, she shared her gifts for leadership and encouragement, always eager to lend a hand and support the community she cared for so deeply.

She is survived by her two children, John B. Bernardini and Elizabeth Bernardini, both of Conneaut, Ohio. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws who will cherish her memory. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jay B. Bernardini; her brother, Richard Dana Benton; and her parents.

Calling hours will be held Saturday, March 28th, from 5–7 PM at New Leaf United Methodist Church, with a memorial service beginning at 7 PM. A private burial will take place at Willow Dale Cemetery in Bradford, Pennsylvania. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

With Suzanne’s love for Literacy & Music donations in her memory may be made to the Conneaut Public Library or the Conneaut Music Boosters. Envelopes will be available at the service and also at the Marcy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 208 Liberty St., Conneaut, which is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.

Leave a memory at www.marcyfuneralhome.com.

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