Athena Jay Bernd passed peacefully in her mother’s arms at University of Louisville Trauma Center on Sunday, August 21, 2016. She was born at 11:53 am and was carried into heaven at 1:33 pm that same day. At 35 weeks gestation, she was born too soon as a result of a tragic auto accident caused by an impaired driver earlier that morning. In her short life, she taught us all how precious each and every day can be and the value of faith, hope, and love.
Athena was lovingly known as Thenie by her parents, Adam and Miranda (Baker) Bernd of Georgetown, IN, formerly of Franklin, IN, and big brother, Aden. Her paternal grandparents are Jay and Janice Bernd of Georgetown, IN, and Angela and Bill Baker of Denver, CO, and great-grandmother Jeannie Brumit of Elizabethton, TN. Her maternal grandparents are Randy and Deb Baker; her great-grandfather is Bill Shepherd, all are from Franklin, IN and great-grandparents Ross and Norma Baker of Columbus, IN. She also leaves behind several aunts and uncles: Taylor and Leah Baker of Franklin; Allison and Collin Vetor of Georgetown, IN; Emily and Bradley Carpenter of New Albany, IN; Andrew Devine and Lauren Devine, both of Indianapolis, IN; Amber and Alex Lauser and cousin Maddox of Virginia Beach, VA; and many loving and supportive extended family members and friends.
Athena Jay was greeted in heaven by maternal great-grandmother, Alma Shepherd, and paternal great-grandfather, Michael Hall.
A visitation service to honor and celebrate the life of our sleeping beauty will be held on Sunday, August 28, 2016, from 4 to 7 pm at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin. In lieu of a formal service, Adam and Miranda wish to invite all friends and family to drop by anytime during these posted times to help share their joy and sorrow.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Athena Jay Bernd to Hope From Harper at tinyurl.com/athenajay, a Kentuckiana charity committed to choosing joy instead of sadness in order to bring hope to other families and children who are facing adversity and loss. The Bernd family is also grateful to Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, a volunteer photography service provided to families who have experienced newborn loss. Contributions may be made at www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/donate/ . Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information at 317-738-0202.