Gerda Maria Bachmaier Bernhard, 77, of Westminster, Maryland, died peacefully on Sunday, March 26, 2017 at the Carroll Hospice Dove House, after a valiant fight with cancer.

          Born August 3, 1939 in Stimpfach, Germany, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Maria (Kurtz) Bachmaier.  She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 58 years, Heinz Bernhard.

          Gerda enjoyed gardening flowers and taking care of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She was a member of St. John Catholic Church in Westminster.

          Surviving in addition to her husband are daughters, Annette Bernhard Shipley of Westminster, and Heidi M. Bernhard Kissell and husband Mark of Westminster; grandchildren, Christoph Shipley and wife Kara, Kayla Shipley Brotherton and husband Louis, Christina Kissell Haines and husband Michael and Anthony Kissell; great-grandchildren, Lily, Beryl, and Levi; brother, Guenter Bachmaier of Germany; and sister, Maya Hahe of Germany.

          She was predeceased by a daughter, Ingrid Bernhard; great-granddaughter, Faith; and by a sister, Elfriede Oesrele.

          The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 30, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of a prayer service at 12:00 p.m. at the MYERS-DURBORAW FUNERAL HOME, 91 Willis St., Westminster, MD.  Interment will follow in Lake View Memorial Park in Sykesville, MD.

          Memorial contributions may be made to Carroll Hospice, 292 Stoner Ave., Westminster, MD, 21157.

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