Sandra A. (Simonelli) Bernardo

Sandra Bernardo, Nana “B,” of Cranston, beloved partner, sister, aunt, and grandmother, passed away peacefully, on August 11th, 2026 at the age of 76 surrounded by her loving family.

She was a dedicated employee at several car dealerships throughout her life, most recently at Scott Volkswagen, where she worked as a bookkeeper for 16 years. She earned her associates degree from Bryant College and was a proud member of Johnston Senior High School’s first graduating class.

For 43 years, Sandra shared her life with Anthony Cimaglia Jr., becoming an integral part of the family, wrapping his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in love and care. She became the Nana “B” that will always hold a special place in their hearts.

Sandra moved through life with a genuine sense of wonder.

She always had her nose in a book and was eager to learn something new everyday. She searched long and hard for words of the day, a new story to read, and finding random facts to share. But her greatest curiosity was reserved for people.

Whether she had known you for years or had just met you, Sandra wanted to know your story. Where were you from? Where did you grow up? What did you do for work? Her questions could be endless, but they were her way of connecting with people. She wanted to know you, remember you, and understand the details that made you who you are.

And Sandra remembered. She had a memory like an elephant, a suitable trait for someone with a treasured collection of elephants (always making sure the tips of the trunks were facing upward for good luck). She remembered names, stories, families, conversations, and the smallest details you would not expect anyone else to remember. 

Family was at the center of Sandra’s life. She embraced Anthony’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as her own and was devoted to making sure the people she loved were cared for. She expressed that love through food, traditions, thoughtful gestures, and simply showing up when you needed her most. 

Perhaps no family tradition was more famous than Nana B’s Pizza; a staple at every family celebration. 

She found joy in the beauty of the world around her. She loved spending time at the beach with her aunts, and watching the butterflies. She was a die-hard Boston Red Sox fan and loved Frank Sinatra. She enjoyed shopping with her granddaughter, visiting the bookstore with her best friend, playing the slots at the casino with her love, and going out to breakfast. Among a few of her favorite things were Lipton tea, rhinestones, anything gold, and the color red.

Sandra’s faith was also an important part of her life. She was deeply dedicated to her church, taught catechism, and attended services every Sunday. 

Sandra had a natural instinct to take care of others and truly appreciated the world around her. She loved caring for her dogs, watering the flowers and feeding the birds. She donated blood throughout her life to help others in need and was especially protective of those she loved. When someone needed her, she worried, asked questions, made phone calls, and did whatever she could to help. 

She is survived by her partner, Anthony Cimaglia Jr.; his children, Laurie Audet (Richard), Anthony Cimaglia III (Kerry), and Gary Cimaglia (Laurie); their grandchildren, Kailyn Macomber, Richard Audet, Kendra Cimaglia, Nicholas Cimaglia, Karen Dougherty, Gary Cimaglia Jr., Jaclyn Izzi, and Robert Izzi Jr.; and five great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved as her own. 

She is also survived by her sister, Jean Giarrusso and her husband, Alex; sister-in-law, Dolores Rodrigues, her cherished nieces, Annette Magiaccomo (Michael) and Patricia Rodrigues (Ku-Yuen Hsue); her nephews, Peter Giarrusso, Anthony Giarrusso (Julie), Brian Iafrate (Edelta), Michael Iafrate (Melissa), Chris Rodrigues (Ann); and many great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom she loved dearly. 

She was predeceased by her first husband, Mateus Bernardo Jr., her sister, Lorraine Iafrate (Donald); and her parents, Antonio and Rita Simmonelli. 

The family extends a special thank you to Karen Gemma for the tender care she gave Sandra throughout her illness; to her niece and nephew: Annette and Brian, who were lovingly devoted to their aunt during her final months; and to her dear friend of more than 50 years, Kathy Baccari, whose lifelong friendship brought Sandra great joy and comfort. Sandra spent her life becoming part of the stories of everyone she met; now her story will live in ours, carried gently by the summer wind.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, August 21st, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, Cranston. Visiting hours and burial are kindly omitted. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Tomorrow Fund, https://www.tomorrowfund.org/contact, an organization that was close to Sandra’s heart.