The death of Marcella Ann (Gaudet) Bernard (nee Perry), the heart and matriarch of her family, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 17th, 2026, with family at her side, at Prince County Hospital, Summerside, PE, at the age of 90. 

Born on Harper Road near Tignish, she was raised by the late William and Olive Perry (Doucette) and was sibling to Mae, Aurella, Arthur, Marlene and William (Junior). Her early years with her parents shaped the caring, resilient, and family-centered woman she would become.

After finishing school, Marcella moved to St. Catharines, Ontario, where she met fellow Tignish native Edmond Gaudet. They were married in 1956, and a year later welcomed their first daughter, Patty. Soon after, the family returned to Tignish and later settled in Summerside, where they were blessed with eight more children.

Marcella devoted her life to her family. Her children were always at the center of everything she did, and when Edmond passed away in 1979, leaving her to raise them on her own, she met every challenge with remarkable strength. She created a home filled with warmth, support, and unwavering care, giving her children a foundation that would guide them throughout their lives.

Years later, Marcella found happiness again when she married a longtime friend, Philip Bernard. During their ten years together, they shared many happy adventures… travelling, golfing, curling and making cherished memories with friends and their blended family.

As her family grew, so did the love that surrounded her. Marcella warmly welcomed nine sons- and daughters-in-law—affectionately known as her “outlaws”—and delighted in becoming grandmother to eleven grandchildren. Most recently, she experienced the joy of meeting her first great-grandchild, a beautiful reminder that her legacy of love continues into a new generation.

Marcella's life was defined by her unwavering faith and her deep love for her family. She believed there was always room for one more at the table, and nothing brought her greater joy than feeding others and caring for those around her. Her home was a place of warmth, laughter, and acceptance, where family, friends, neighbours, and even strangers were welcomed with open arms. She had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel loved, valued, and at home. Funny and feisty, she met life with resilience, generosity, and a caring heart. She was an incredible provider for her family and created a legacy of love, faith, kindness, and togetherness that will continue to live on for generations.

Marcella was very involved in the community throughout her life. She worked at the hospital, was an active member of the Catholic Women’s League, St. Paul’s Parish, the Women’s Institute and taught catechism. She supported several religious missions and sponsored families throughout the world. In her later years she volunteered at the Prince County Hospital and was a member of the “Tim Horton’s Angels”, a group that raised and donated money to Grandmothers Helping Grandmothers. 

Marcella will be lovingly remembered by her nine children: Patty (Mike) Flinn, Michael (Roberta), Rhonda (the late Michael) Perron, Mark (Margaret), Glenn (Yolande), Monica (Gerald) Giroux, Gerard (Peggy), Billy (Catherine), Laurie (JR) Wall, her eleven grandchildren: Nathan, Shawn, Sadie, Leanne, Jenna, Jordan, Emily, Beth, Ella, Abby, and Elliot, and her new and precious great-grandchild, Winifred. 

She is also survived by her brother William Perry (Jr.), her eleven stepchildren from her second marriage (the Bernard family), and many special nieces, nephews, extended family members and close friends.

Marcella is predeceased by her late parents; first husband and father of her children, Edmond Gaudet; and her second husband, Philip Bernard,

The family would like to extend their deepest thanks and gratitude to the amazing and caring staff at Parkhill Nursing Home, Clinton View Lodge and the Prince County Hospital.

Resting at East Prince Funeral Home, 245 Pope Road, Summerside PEI, until Wednesday, July 22, 2026, then to St. Paul's Catholic Church, Summerside, PE for funeral mass at 2:00 p.m. Interment to take place in St. Paul's Catholic Cemetery following the funeral mass. Visitation is Tuesday, July 21, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.  Donations in Marcella's memory to The Soceity of Saint-Vincent de Paul, or the Prince County Hospital Foundation would be greatly appreciated.