Stephanie Vanessa Bernot

Stephanie Vanessa Bernot, 53, of Mount Airy, Maryland, passed from this life on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at the Dove Hospice House in Westminster, Maryland.

Born on July 25, 1973, in Findlay, Ohio, she was the beloved daughter of William Burchnell and the late Pamela (Farrell) Barto. She was the cherished wife of Kevin Bernot, her husband of 20 years.

Vanessa was a proud 1991 graduate of Vanlue High School in Vanlue, Ohio, and always held a deep affection and pride for her small-town roots.

Following high school, Vanessa served her country with honor in the United States Army from 1993 to 1999. Specialized as a Behavioral Science Specialist, she served in the Combat Stress Company at Fort Gordon, Georgia. During her military career and for several years following her honorable discharge, Vanessa conducted critical behavioral research projects at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Washington, D.C.

Vanessa later worked at the Grand Marquis Café in Olney, Maryland, where she met her husband, Kevin, and established many deep, lifelong friendships. She went on to build a career in the construction industry, where she worked as an office manager and bookkeeper.

Vanessa possessed a vibrant love for life and her community. She found great joy in spending time with her close friends, reading romance novels, and surrounding herself with the simple beauty of sunflowers and lavender.

Above all else, Vanessa deeply and unconditionally loved her children. Surviving in addition to her husband are Emma Grace Bernot (16) and Kevin Patrick Bernot Jr. (11).

A Celebration of Vanessa’s Life will take place on Friday, October 23, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the following location:

• The American Legion Post 191

• 801 Prospect Rd, Mount Airy, MD 21771

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Vanessa’s memory to the care facility that provided her with immense comfort:

• Bridging Life- Dove House

• 292 Stoner Ave., Westminster, MD 21157

The care, profound compassion, and dignity the staff showed Vanessa in her final days was truly remarkable, and her family’s gratitude cannot be overstated.