Guestbook Entries from 2006

  
   October 26, 2006
Vic, Janet, and Brian,
Thank You for all of my wonderful childhood memories. You brought light, warmth, and excitement to being a kid. I fondly reminisce about our trips up Old Rag Mountain everytime the leaves begin to change. I cannot express how saddened I am by the loss of Jen. She was my little sister...we simply shared two sets of parents. I wish I knew her as an adult, but am so honored to have had her in my life. I love you...you are forever in my heart.
  

Leyla Ersoz (Los Angeles, CA )

 
   October 25, 2006
Jen made a lasting impression during our 4 years at Annandale. She was a great friend and I am glad that I got to know her. She had a great spirit. I'm glad that she is out of her pain now and in a better place. I am truely sorry for your loss.
   Sarah Baker (Chicago, ID )
   October 24, 2006
To The Bernhards Family,

She was a gift this beautiful bright young woman who was a friend of my son Tillman. When I first met her I immediately was simply just taken by her. I wanted to talk to her and get to know her. Her smile was wonderful but it was her spirit that simply radiated from her being.
She will be remembered. Jen was a gift.
   Anne Johnson (Annapolis, MD )
   October 23, 2006
So faith, hope, and love remain-these three. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

I'm not quite sure how or when, but these words came instantly to mind when thinking of Jen. Her life is an impressive example of faith, of hope and most of all of love. I think of where I've been and where I'm going and I can only hope to live my life as Jen lived hers- full of smiles, full of love, full of laughter, with strength, with courage, and with a love that shines on everyone around. Thank you for giving us Jen. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
   Laine Welch (Charlottesville, VA )
   October 23, 2006
We know of Jen through her grandmother Pat and appreciate her life and her generosity of spirit. Our prayers and deepest sympathy are with you at this difficult time.
Marion and Tom Meany
   Marion & Tom Meany (Fairfax, VA )
   October 23, 2006
Dear Bernhards Family,
I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Jen is one of the most genuine, caring people I have ever met, and it was an honor to say that I knew her as a classmate and friend at Annandale. I know Jen brought out the absolute best in every person she ever encountered, always happy and with the amazing smile she was well known for. May everyone who knew Jen find comfort and strength with the memories we have of her.
   Jamie Chagnon (Las Vegas, NV )
   October 22, 2006
Dear Mr.and Mrs. Bernhards & Brian,
My family and I had the pleasure of meeting Jen at UVA through my brother Tillman. When I first met Jen I was immediately taken back by her extreme beauty and wonderfully bright smile. Of course, it didn't take long to learn that she was equally beautiful both inside and out. She was so kind to my daughter when her little sister was born and truly left a strong impression on her. After explaining Jen's death to my daughter she looked at me and said, "I am the luckiest girl in Kindergarten because I have the most beautiful angel in all of heaven to keep me safe." My husband and I have found comfort in that statement and we are sure that heaven is now a brighter place. We are blessed to have known such an inspirational woman. Pease know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
   Whitney Odenwald (Annapolis, MD )
   October 22, 2006
We will all miss Jen. The service was beautiful and a perfect tribute to the amazing spirit and radiant personality that Jen possessed. Whenever our paths would cross, she would always greet me as if seeing me was the best thing that had happened to her that day. She was beautiful because her beauty started from within and shined out in her terrific smiles, sparkling eyes and shimmering hair. You are in my thoughts and prayers and Jen will always be in my heart.
   Jan McDonald (North Springfield, VA )
   October 21, 2006
Janet,
Vic, and Brian: How we wish we could have been with you to honor
Jenny's memory. Know that you are all in our thoughts and hearts and we hope to see you before too long.
With great affection--
   Joan and Fred March (Albuquerque, NM )
   October 21, 2006
Dear Bernhards Family,

I played lacrosse with Jen during my sophomore year at Annandale. I was very deeply saddened to hear about your loss. I haven't spoken to Jen for a while, but she really did leave a lasting impression on me. I always looked up to her. She was one of the kindest people I have known. Please know that my thoughts an prayers are with your family. Jen is deeply missed.

Sincerely,
   Allison Brennan (Annandale, VA )
   October 21, 2006
Dear Janet
I would like to express my sincere sympathy at this difficult time.
My thoughts are with you and your family
   Danielle LO GERFO (Balaruc Les Bains)
   October 20, 2006
Vic, Janet and Brian,
All I can say is how sorry I am for your loss. Jen was a wonderfully gifted person. Her service was beautiful! The music, scriptures and memories were filled with Jen's spirit. I felt her spirit was there watching over you. May God fill you with peace and lasting memories that will lift you up.
   Melanie Davis (Lorton, VA )
 
 
   October 20, 2006
I learned alot from Jen durring our time in the Marching Band. Marching Camp gave me the chance to know her better, she was deff a leader. She was the type of person you could count on for many things, even small things like saving you a seat at the dinner table. One of the rare hard working, beautiful girls with a personality to match. Jen, thank you for the oppertunity to know such a person. You will be missed but never forgotten.
   Mike Ortega (Fairfax, VA )
   October 20, 2006
I am sadden by the passing of Jen. She was a beautiful person. She was always smiling, and very encouraging. I remember marching with her for the ATOMS and we would joke around all the time. I will keep your family in my prayers always. I know this is a very difficult time however with prayer and faith you all with persevere.
I will always remember you my Jen Jen!
   Latysha Hill-Washington (Fairfax, VA )
   October 19, 2006
I just would like to take the time out to say im sorry for your loss.. She was a nice, outgoing young lady and im sure she will truly be missed. I went to high school with jen and all i can say this is a shock "but" she is in a better place..
May God Bless You All
   Natasha Denny (Annandale, VA )
   October 19, 2006
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Bernhards and Brian,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I first met Jen my freshmen year of high school. I was a freshmen in the band program and she was a senior. She was the greatest person I have ever met and known. No one has inspired me more than Jen. She had a beautiful soul and now she's up in heaven smiling down at us and watching over all of us whose lives she has touched. She will be greatly missed. My prayers and thoughts go out to you all. She was truly an amazing person that will never be forgotten.
   Ror Sy (Morgantown, WV )
   October 19, 2006
Dear Vic, Janet, and Brian,

We were so moved by the celebration of Jen’s life yesterday. I don’t think we have ever attended a more beautiful service. It makes us wish that we had known Jen longer. However, in the short time that we have known you, you have been a huge comfort to our family and a source of inspiration as we deal with our own health issues. You are a family blessed with great dignity and grace. You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
   John, Martha, John, Shelby & Christian Locke (Springfield, VA )
   October 19, 2006
Jenny,

I miss my friend.
   Timur Nowrouz (Annandale, VA )
   October 19, 2006
Janet. Vic and Brian, I know that we've only MET one time, for real- but I feel as if I've known you all for a lifetime. My heart is broken along with all of yours and I feel honored to have known Jenny even the little that I did.
I am here, Janet, perhaps you will soon feel some comfort and when you do and you feel like talking, I am here. Hug that pup of yours and try to draw comfort from one another. Simple words are so lacking in meaning for me right now. Love to you all,
Lauren Imbruglia and family (NJ)
   Lauren Imbruglia (Ridgewood, NJ )
   October 19, 2006
Dear Janet
I hadn't had any news from you for a long time... and today I'm told that Jennifer has passed away.
I believe in eternal life and I'm sure that Jenny will always stay with you. She will take care of you as you did take care of her as she was alive and suffering.
Let me weep with you and share my deepest hope with your family !
Guy TALLON

« Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep »
Romans 12, 15
   Guy TALLON (Bordeaux)
   October 19, 2006
We are praying for the Bernhard family.
   Bill and Jan Siegfried (Fairfax, VA )
   October 19, 2006
Dear Mr.Bernhards, I have prayed for you and your daughter many times since I finished my internship at Irving Middle school. I am sadden to hear of your daughters passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your time of grief.
   Sarah McCraney (Alexandria, VA )
 
 
   October 19, 2006
Words and tears can't begin to show how much Jenny meant to me and everyone that knew her. I will never forget how she has touched me personally and how she will touch me till my last day. I love you Jennifer Lynn Bernhards!!! Vic, Janet, and Brian I love you all as well and am here for your every need!
   Michael Logan (Springfield, VA )
   October 19, 2006
Dear Janet and family,
It was a privilege to read Jenny's words, see her photos, and share part of the journey with you. I am just so very sorry to hear of your loss. May God surround you with His care and comfort, with beautiful memories of Jenny, and with visions of her, happy and whole, in Paradise. With love and prayers,
   Didi Dahlstrom (Cincinnati, OH )
   October 19, 2006
My deepest condolences go out to the Bernhards family, Jen was the most beautiful person inside and out that I have ever known. This is a terrible loss, but the lessons of her strength and courage inspire me everyday. I am thinking of your family always.
   Sue Biolsi (New York, NY )
   October 19, 2006
My deepest condolences to the family. It is still hard to believe that she is gone. I like to think that all of us "North Springfield" girls who grew up together, have a little piece of each and everyone of us inside. We grew up together, and found our place in life. None of it would have happened without the laughs, the love, and the support of all of us, especially Jenny. I will always remember her smile and her laughter which made life all that better. She will forever be in my thoughts.
   Alexis Layne (Annandale, VA )
   October 18, 2006
I met Jen at the young adult Life with Cancer meetings and dinners. Although I did not know her long, I was inspired by her strength, humor and bravery. We reminisced about our days at UVA and chatted about pets and family. I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet her and am keeping all of you in my thoughts.
   Julie Matthews (Fairfax Station, VA )
   October 18, 2006
You will be with me forever. Thank you for being my friend and my daughter. All my love,

Dad
   Victor Bernhards (Springfield, VA )
   October 18, 2006
I am so deeply saddened to hear of Jen's passing. It has been so long since we shared the concert hall and the field together, and even though I cannot say we were close, she was such a bright light - and truly the heart of the AHS class of 2000. All of my condolences - I cannot comprehend what you must be feeling. My prayers are with the whole Bernhards family.
   Tammy Young (Cincinnati, OH )
   October 18, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort, as she was a lovely young lady. God be with you.
Love always,
Uncle Bruce and Aunt Alice
   Bruce & Alice Perkins (Akron, OH )
   October 18, 2006
Dear Janet, Vic and Brian,
My deepest sympathy from our family. She was a beautiful young lady, and we will always cherish her in our memory. May God be with you always during this difficult time.
With love from your cousin,
Robin and family
   Robin Perkins Ugurlu (Bellingham, WA )
   October 18, 2006
Even though I did not know Jen that well I always remembered her beauty and grace at church. Her smile truly could light up an entire room. Even though she is gone her light still shines on through her family and friends.
   Elizabeth Lewis (Springfield, VA ) 
 
  
   October 18, 2006
I choose to remember that beautiful smile and her courageous words during our long conversations. What a reward to know her, admire her beauty and spirit. For someone to be so young yet so wise beyond her years. I shall forever hold you in my heart now God holds you in his hands.
   Lorine Szala (Springfield, VA )
   October 18, 2006
My condolences to the Bernhards family. I had met Jennifer a couple of times. She was a friend of my son, Mike and had spent time at our home here and at Lake Anna. I remember her as a beautiful girl with a very warm smile. Mike simply described her as “the whole package”. I have a daughter Jennifer as well and I can’t tell you how heartfully sorry I am to hear of your loss. I firmly believe that when you think of someone it means that they are near and thinking of you as well. You daughter will always be near. God Bless your family.
   Susie Shaw (Annandale, VA )
   October 18, 2006
Dear Janet and Vic: I am deeply, deeply sad to hear Jen's passing and that I will miss seeing her at the church. Jen will always be in my memory with her bright, heart warming smile and charming personality. May God's love comfort you all.
   Nurdan Logan (Springfield, VA )
   October 18, 2006
It is humbling to consider the life-lessons taught by one so young. Jen's bright, happy smile and tenacious spirit will always be remembered. Truly an inspiring young woman!
   Sandi Hentz (Falls Church, VA )
   October 17, 2006
Words are never sufficient when it comes to love and loss. Thank you, Jen, for all the beautiful memories and the wonderful spirit you infused in everyone that entered your presence. You truly were too good for this world. Victor, Janet, and Brian, my heart is with you and all of your family.
   Rachel Brook (Princeton, NJ ) 
   October 17, 2006
Jen - It was an honor to know you. Your smile, courage and honesty inspires us all. We are thinking of and praying for your family. You will be missed. Rest & Peace.
Sage & The Life with Cancer staff
   Sage Bolte (Fairfax, VA )
   October 17, 2006
I would like to express my condolences. No doubt she will be greatly missed. At difficult times like this, I find comfort & hope in the scriptures. Acts 24:15 says there will be a resurrection in which those dead will live again. I hope this comforts you too.
    
   October 17, 2006
My heart and prayers are with the entire Bernhards family. Jenny was one of the most genuine and sweet people I have ever known in my life. I feel blessed to have known her and her family for so many years. As long as I've known her, I have admired her and I will continue to look up to her for her incredible spirit, joy for life, and beauty.
   Heather McDonald (Springfield, VA ) 
   October 17, 2006
I will truly miss you Jenny, my hula girl. Let your radiant smile light up the heavens and your grace help us through this difficult time. My heart is with your family, who love you so much. I don't know if I'll ever understand how someone so beautiful and bright and young can be taken from us, but am comforted to know you are in a better place as happy as ever. Until we meet again....
   Mike Shaw (Alexandria, VA ) 
   October 17, 2006
Jenny showed such tremendous courage in her struggle with her long, difficult illness. May peace and comfort come to her family and loved ones.
   Gail and Dave Richmond (Mt Vernon, VA ) 
 
 
   October 17, 2006
My Dear Friends Vic, Janet, and Bri...

Words can not express the deep sadness I am feeling over the passing of beautiful Jennifer. The great smile, the wonderful personality, and the happiness she had with life will stay with me to the end. I hope it is comforting for you all to know that she is now with the Chorus of Angels in Paradise and that her memory here on Earth will be an inspiration for all of us as we face the trials of existence. My heart and prayers go out to you and yours in this time of sadness.

Yours in brotherly love,

Bruce
   Bruce Shaffer (Purcellville, VA )
   October 17, 2006
To Vic and family -- I met you all only a few times a long time ago, riding with the Lardbutts. I remember your daughter as a lovely young woman who didn't seem at all perturbed at being seen with her father's riding buddies. To the contrary, she was warm and gracious. I am so sorry for your loss.
   Bill Cusmano (Arlington, VA )
   October 17, 2006
Greetings All--

We missed the post deadline for adding a website with information on donations in lieu of flowers.

If you will go to this "blog" site, the information will be there later in the day, Tuesday, October 17. There is no "www" in the address--that's not an oversight!!

http://memoryofjen.blogspot.com

Sincerely,
   Janet, Vic, and Brian Bernhards (Springfield, VA )
   October 17, 2006
We love you Jenny.You are such a wonderful caring person.Just one example that touched my heart...As a teen you earned your drivers license and right away you were driving out to see your Grandma Nell-my Mom...You would take her to lunch and brighten her day.
Love Always,
Uncle Mark,Jo,Sonya,Sarah & Matthew
   Mark Bernhards
   October 16, 2006
May you find peace in your hearts during this time of sorrow. Jenny will always be with us in her loving spirit. She is someone whom we all looked up to and we will never forget her bright caring smile.
   Carrie Leigh Reed (Springfield, VA )
 
Name: Little frog legs  
   
Country: FRANCE    Date: 28 Oct 2006 17:13:02 GMT

I saw you as a very nice, sweet, and funny girl. You would have been a perfect woman but you had one big fault, you hated computers ! Maybe some people would say my humour has no sense here, but i know you would love it. I tried to help as i could, you were a great friend. My greatest regret will be not to have the opportunity to meet you for real. I know thanks to my dad people never die so i am waiting for you for a visit, just give me a sign, i 've so many things to tell you.LoveGuigui


Name: Julie Lewis  
   
Country: ATLANTA, GA    Date: 1 Nov 2006 18:55:18 GMT

Dear Bernhards Family,

I'll never forget seeing Jenny's face light up at the sight of Toby and the peace and comfort I felt as she asked me his favorite places to be scratched. He loved her immediately, but who wouldn't. Here is a poem for you that a friend shared with me. It seems quite fitting for Jenny.

Oh Ring no bells for her, But sing a song and say, She made a difference in the shape of things as she danced along our way. God Bless, Julie Lewis


Name: Angela Grisby  
   
Country: ALEXANDRIA, VA    Date: 3 Nov 2006 19:11:34 GMT

Bernhards Family,

I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jen. I never had the pleasure of meeting you but God blessed my life when I met Jen. She had a beautiful spirit and a caring heart. I never saw her sad or angry, she was always smiling. Jen was one of the best things about marching band and I'll never forget the fun times and laughs we shared throughout our years at AHS. She was a blessing to my life and to others. May God continue to bless and keep you during your time of bereavment.


Name: Peter  
   
Country: USA    Date: 6 Nov 2006 15:28:49 GMT

 

Jen, thanks for the laughs, hugs, tears...and so much more. You are the best friend I've ever had.


Name: Cheri and Jeff Brown  
   
Country: USA    Date: 7 Nov 2006 23:20:59 GMT

Dear Janet, Vic, and Brian,

Thank you for posting Jen's service, we would have been there if we could have. I've read everything posted here and it seems like a very beautiful service with many elements that touched Jen's life in some way. Brian's and her friends' remembrances were especially touching. Jen will be remembered long and often, I'm sure, by many people. With love, Cheri & Jeff


Name: The Gibson Family  
   
Country:  US   Date: 8 Nov 2006 20:51:15 GMT

Dear Bernhards Family,

We never had the pleasure to know Jennifer but we know she was a wonderful daughter, sister and friend. We do know Brian, and through him, we knew of the deep love he, and your family, had for her. Through Brian, and especially his words and music, Jennifer touched our lives. The “In Memory of Jennifer” website is a wonderful triumph to Jennifer and the difference she made in so many people’s lives. Thank you for sharing her life with us. Please accept our sincere condolences at this most difficult time. Our thoughts are with you and our prayer is that you will find great comfort, joy, and peace knowing that Jennifer’s love continues and that her beauty still shines on all of us.

Janice, Bill, Christina, Billy, and Ryan


Name: Leslie Hutchins  
   
Country: ALEXANDRIA, VA    Date: 9 Nov 2006 05:42:25 GMT

I think everyone remembers when or how they met Jen - I knew Jen growing up at North Springfield and through High School. She was a bright soul whose smile you could never forget, and even though we weren't close, I always considered her a friend. I started at Envision EMI this week and I can see how it was a perfect fit for her enthusiam towards life.


Name: Phillip Alvarado  
   
Country: WINCHESTER, VA    Date:  7 Nov 2006 08:27:03 GMT

I will always remember Jen as being a virbrant soul. She ALWAYS carried a smile wherever she was. My sympathies to her family and close friends. You will be dearly missed, Jen. Carpe Diem.


Name: The Christoff family  
   
Country: USA    Date: 15 Nov 2006 16:50:55 GMT

Janet,Vic,and Brian,

We knew Jenny not as a child but as a beautiful, loving, young women. She won our hearts with the warmth of her smile! Rebecca remembers helping her with the card making, and Rachel loved playing frisbee. Robert's favorite time was playing the word games after Jen's favorite meal. We can't imagine your loss but we know that Jen made and continues to make a real difference in the world and in people's lives!

All our love,

Jane, Jeff, Robert, Rebecca & Rachel


Name: Rachel Foster  
   
OAK HILL, VA    Date: 17 Nov 2006 02:07:24 GMT

Dear Janet, Vic and Brian,

I met Jen through my work with the Delta Gamma's at UVA where I was an advisor. In an amazing group of women - Jen stood out. She never let her illness defeat her and was a warm and loving spirit. She was always giving back - first by finishing her term of office as VP new member educaton and then as a hostess greeting incoming DG Convention guests in the summer of 2004. Jen was an amazing person - a one of a kind - who was loved and will be missed by all.