Bernardine M. Alward (Binnette), of Westport, died August 12 at home. She was 89.

Bernardine and her husband, Al, enjoyed living and raising a family in Westport for more than 50 years. She loved the beach, swimming, and meeting with her “beach bum buddies.”

She was an active member of Saint Luke Parish in Westport, loved to play bridge with friends and at the Woman’s Club, and was an avid reader who frequented the Westport Library. For many years, she and Al enjoyed being regulars at all the restaurants around Westport where their children worked, in particular, Mario’s, the Mansion Clam House, the Georgetown Saloon, and Tavern on Main.

Their house at 10 Salem Road will always be remembered by her children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends as a place where everyone gathered to celebrate every occasion.

All will remember the amazing meals; Yahtzee at the kitchen table; the hidden Sambuca in the top closet; and most importantly, the laughter of a large and loving family.

She was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Harry A. Alward.

She is survived by her seven children: Kathleen M. Stuart and husband, Robert, of Westport, Susan M. Alward and husband, Doug MacHugh, of Newtown, Stephen J. Alward and wife, Vanessa, of Redding, H. Allan Alward and wife, Brenda, of Shelton, Melissa A. Alward and husband, Brent Carlson, of Bethel, Theresa M. Alward and husband, Avron Abraham, of Middletown, Del., and Judith L. Pope and partner, Jim Knipe, of Newtown; her 15 grandchildren: Ernest Verina and wife, Jennifer, Mercedes (Verina) Hamer and husband, Josh Hamer, Taylor Stuart, Emma MacHugh and husband, Daniel Glaser, Lily MacHugh, Emily, Jackson, and Kian Alward, Jeramie and Lorenda Alward, Leanne, Kevin, and Brady Abraham, and James and April Pope; her five great-grandchildren, Alexander and Clara Verina, Grayson and Ayden Hamer, and Madeline Glaser; one sister, Marie Valley and her husband, Thomas, of Brewer, Maine; and many nieces and nephews, in particular Rob Alward, Martha LaPerle, and Amy Alward.

There will be a mass on Saturday, August 31, at 11 am, at Saint Luke Church in Westport.

In lieu of flowers, please give to your favorite charity or dementia research.