Lolly
At Semper K9 Assistance Dogs, every service dog in training carries a name that reflects a story of love, dedication, and service. Lolly, one of our promising service dogs in training, is named in memory of Loretta Bernardo, a remarkable woman whose legacy continues to inspire through the lives she touched and the lasting impact of her family’s commitment to supporting veterans. Although Loretta did not go by “Lolly,” the name was lovingly suggested by her family as a heartfelt tribute, symbolizing the warmth and spirit she embodied.
Loretta Bernardo was born on February 14, 1940, in Woodside, New York, and her life was a testament to compassion, resilience, and service to others. She earned her B.A. in Nursing from Duquesne University in 1961, a career path that reflected her innate desire to care for and support those in need. Loretta’s dedication to service extended beyond the medical field as she later co-founded Xerimis, Inc., where she served as Chief Financial Officer alongside her husband, Dr. Peter Bernardo.
Loretta was more than a successful business leader; she was an active member of her community, always finding ways to give back and support causes close to her heart. After a courageous battle with cancer, Loretta passed away on June 1, 2009, in Philadelphia at the age of 69. Her legacy, however, continues to live on through her family, including her daughter Carol Sue Bernardo, who now leads Xerimis with the same passion and dedication instilled by her parents.
Loretta’s impact extends far beyond her family and business. Xerimis, Inc., under the leadership of Carol Sue, has been a proud supporter of the DelMarVa Whiskey Club’s Annual Golf Tournament, an event that has directly benefitted Semper K9’s mission since 2021. Thanks to the generosity of organizations like Xerimis and the dedicated community surrounding the tournament, over $60,000 has been raised to date, helping us provide service dogs to disabled American veterans at no cost.
It’s only fitting that we honor Loretta’s memory with Lolly, a service dog who will carry forward the same spirit of compassion, dedication, and service that defined Loretta’s life.
We are incredibly proud to dedicate Lolly’s name to the memory of Loretta Bernardo, honoring her life, her contributions, and the ongoing support of Xerimis, Inc. and the DelMarVa Whiskey Club. Their commitment to our mission has helped us grow and thrive, ensuring that veterans who have given so much for our country receive the care and support they deserve.
Through her training and future service, Lolly will carry forward Loretta’s spirit of compassion and generosity, serving as a symbol of the enduring impact one life can have on the world. Here is how you can get involved:
Send a gift to Lolly from our Amazon Wishlist: https://bit.ly/4aRa2MX
Contribute towards Lolly’s Training & Care: https://p2p.onecause.com/servicedogs
