Obituary of Anna Mae Bernardi Hodges

Anna Mae Bernardi Hodges was born on Easter Sunday, April 11th 1925 in South Dos Palos to Italian immigrants, Giovonni Bernardi and Lidua Cardella Bernardi and was the fourth child and the baby of the family. She graduated from Dos Palos High School in 1943 and worked in her family business, Bernardi Store, at the corner of Highway 33 and Blossom for years. With the advent of supermarkets, the business was changed to a bar which Anna Mae owned and ran until Highway 33 was widened in 1966. Anna Mae always loved vacationing in Santa Cruz and after she sold the business in 1966 she followed her dream of living there when she, her husband , Greer Hodges, and her two children, Patti and Thomas Elms moved there and she was happy to never move again. Anna Mae enjoyed her garden and walking on West Cliff. She loved taking her three granddaughters to the Boardwalk and parks. While the children played, Anna enjoyed talking to people. She appreciated the simple things of life. She was an independent woman with a sense of humor. She was known for her energy and ready to go attitude toward life and helping others. She was also a member of Holy Cross Church and Grey Bears. The high point in her life was traveling to Lucca, Italy in 1999 with her daughter and son to visit her parent's birthplace and other sights in Northern Italy. She enjoyed numerous vacations to Mexico and Hawaii with her family. Her greatest joys were her three granddaughters, who lovingly called her "Noni", and she loved attending their softball games. Anna Mae is survived by her daughter, Patti (Donald) Kelley; son, Thomas Elms; three granddaughters, Kristine, Alexandra (Ali), and Bianca King; three nieces and one nephew. She also leaves behind her good friend, Vivian Merenghi. She was preceded in death by her husband, Greer Hodges in 1980; brother, Bernie Bernardi; and sisters, Rita Lorenzi and Mary Wickham. "We would like to thank Dr. Petrocelli and staff, Dr. Beck and staff, and the staff at Dominican Hospital for their kindness and professional care." In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to the SPCA, Grey Bears or your favorite charity. Following private services, Anna Mae will be entombed in the Santa Cruz Memorial Park Mausoleum.