Elvira "Vera" D Berninger

December 29, 2020

Elvira D. Berninger, 104 of Las Cruces, NM, and formerly of Allentown, PA., passed away Tuesday, Dec 29, 2020 in Las Cruces, NM. Vera was the daughter of the late Oreste and Virginia (Andreassi) D'Arconte. Vera Berninger was married to Leonard J. Berninger for 38 yrs. when he passed away in 1975. In the early years, she started working at Goldsmith Brother's and Mack Trucks as a factory worker. Vera and her husband owned Berninger's Heating and Oil at 1129 Linden St in Allentown and then they began a laundromat there. Vera was a member of the Cathedral St Catharine of Siena Catholic Church and Sacred Heart Junior Auxillary. Vera helped coordinate many events including luncheons to Hess's Department Store fashion shows as well as garden and bridge card parties. In 1970 she started "Vera's Cards, Candy and Gifts shop" on 1129 Linden St. She was known for her delicious chocolate covered strawberries from Callies hand dipped chocolates candy store in Reading PA. Vera’s gift wrapping and unique gifts are remembered by the GAC and PPL workers. Survived by two daughters: Carol Shelton and her 2 children and 3 grandchildren and daughter, Maryellen and husband Jack Mitchell of Little Elm,TX and her family; children: Allison, husband Jeff Ockwood of Frisco, TX and Jessica, husband Steve Garcia of Rio Rancho NM; and 5 grandchildren, sister: Helen Conway in East Greenville, PA. Vera was predeceased by her granddaughter, Audrey Ann Yockers, sisters: Christine Mazzoitta, Rose Bartlow, Olympia "Dolly" Minnerovic, and brothers: Dominic, Victor, Louis, and William. Donations may be made to Mercy Special Learning School, 830 S Woodward St., Allentown, PA 18103.