Maria Silva BernardoApril 10, 1946 - September 14, 2017VisaliaMaria "Conceicao" Bernardo passed away peacefully on September 14, 2017 surrounded by her family. Conceicao or Connie as she was known to many, was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was born on the Azores island of Faial on April 10, 1946 to Jose and Valentina Silva. It was there also, where she met the love of her life Carlos Bernardo, when they were just children. Carlos and Conceicao celebrated 50 wonderful years of marriage last September. In 1967, after a year of marriage the young couple moved to the United States in quest of a better life. With hard work, determination, and faith the two built an amazing life together. They settled in Visalia near family, where they raised their two children; Connie and Steven Bernardo. Conceicao loved to sing and she loved to dance. Watching her and our father dance will forever be a treasured memory. She spent countless hours caring for elderly family members and friends who needed support. She was humble and never wanted anything in return. She worked as a seamstress and in time helped manage McWilliams and Mosely Men's Clothing store in downtown Visalia for over 20 years. For many years, summers were spent traveling back to the Azores to see family and friends. It was important to her that her children understood their heritage, especially the Portuguese language and beautiful traditions of the islands. She is survived by her husband Carlos Bernardo, daughter and son-in-law Connie & Nathan Chamberlain, son Steven Bernardo along with his family Lily, Mikayla and Zachary, her brother and sister-in-law Joe & Maria Silva, and godchildren in Portugal, Canada, and California. Her smile was bright to the very end and everyone who knew her can rest assured she is in heaven smiling down on them today. Visitation will be held from 4 PM till 6 PM followed by a Rosary at 6 PM at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel on Sunday, September 24, 2017. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 AM on Monday, September 25, 2017 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Visalia. Interment to follow at Visala District Cemetery. A memorial tribute may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.