Brighton: Fayanne Wagman, 89, passed away on June 28, 2021 after a strong and stoic battle with cancer. She is predeceased by husbands (of 26 years each!) Philip M. Bernis and Irwin Wagman and son, David W. Bernis. She is survived by son, Jonathan (Elisangela) Bernis; daughter, Susan B. (Todd) Gray; granddaughters, Teva Bernis, Madeline and Rachel Gray, Liel and Hannah Bernis and many dear friends.
Fay was born in Buffalo, NY and graduated from Case Western University in 1953. She moved to Rochester after marrying Philip Bernis. Along with a successful 23-year career at Xerox Corporation, she also started her own small business featuring African Violets and other gesneriads. She was honored with life member awards in horticultural societies both national and local. In addition, Fay spent much of her free time her whole life volunteering for various organizations. She was active in Gilda’s Club, BriPen, Lifespan and she spent over 10 years at The Wilmont Cancer Institute helping patients in the infusion center.
Fay was known for something else: her resilience. Whatever came her way she handled with feisty determination to overcome the obstacle. What a role-model for her granddaughters! Most of all, Fay was known as an amazing friend and mother. Everyone she met loved spending time with her. She had a knack for welcoming and befriending everyone (old and young alike) and her spirit was infectious. In fact, in her 80th year she discovered a love of glitter which became her trademark!
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, July 12th at 11 AM at Brighton Memorial Chapel, 3325 Winton Road South. For those who are not able to attend, the service will be streamed. You can watch it by CLICKING HEREjust before 11 AM. Interment, Britton Road Cemetery.
Shiva will be held on Monday, July 12th from 5-8 and Tuesday, July 13th from 3-7 at 9 Rolling Plains East, Honeoye Falls. Click here for directions.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Webster Comfort Care Home, 700 Holt Rd, Webster, NY 14580, UR Medicine Palliative Care Program (PO Box 270032 Rochester, NY 14627-0032) or a charity of your choice.
