Elaine M. (Flaherty) Bernard, 58, of 52 Vernon St., Gardner, died Friday, March 21, 2008 in the Rose Monahan Hospice Home in Worcester after a lengthy illness.

   Elaine, daughter of the late Joseph and Marjorie (Wambach) Flaherty was born in Worcester January 13, 1950 and lived in Worcester until moving to Gardner October 1, 2007. Elaine was employed with Almerica Financial of Worcester for 31 years, AMI Leasing of Worcester and Exel Specialized Delivery Service of Worcester.

   Elaine loved her pug dogs. She also enjoyed reading, completing crossword puzzles, photography and gospel and country western music. She taught ballroom dancing and was a member of the American Association of Retired Persons.

   She is survived by her beloved husband of 17 years, Dennis M. Bernard; her two pugs, Chloe and Destiny; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, three nieces, Rebecca Begley of Lunenburg, Catherine Berry of Royalston and Jennifer Begley of Westminster; and one grand nephew, Shawn Michael Begley of Lunenburg. Her sister, Joanne Begley of Westminster died in 2005. She was supported by cousin Sandra Wambach of Princeton, cared for by Lisa Daigle of Gardner and befriended by Joanne Jozefawski of Millbury.

   You are invited to attend her funeral service in Lamoureux-Fletcher Community Funeral Home, 105 Central St., Gardner at 2 p.m Tuesday, March 25, 2008. A calling hour at the funeral home will immediately precede the service from 1 until 2 p.m Tuesday. Burial in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton will be private. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to make a memorial contribution in Elaine’s memory are kindly asked to consider the Pug Rescue of New England (PRONE), c/o Tammy Cooper, 37 Woodlawn St., Dedham, MA 02025.