Taylor Brooke Bernard
Taylor Brooke Bernard, born 12 weeks too early on October 20, 2001, died on July 22, 2024. For all her 22 years, she was determined not to be defined by her cerebral palsy but rather to live her best, most independent life. Beginning as a toddler, she traveled the country for intensive therapy to maximize her physical abilities and later inspired the creation of Richmond Hope Therapy Center. When school prevented year-round travel for therapy, she became a regular in the gym. She rode horses and won best in show at the Therapeutic Riding Association of Virginia competition. She participated in athletics through Sportable and came in second in the women’s wheelchair division of the Monument Avenue 10K. She took art classes and her work was selected for the International VSA Festival calendar and annual exhibition at Union Station in Washington, DC. Taylor loved to travel, visiting St. John, Canada, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, England and Ireland. She celebrated her 10th and 21st birthdays in New York City and marked her last year of high school with a trip to Paris.
Taylor was a voracious reader and a good student. She was nurtured at Shady Grove Elementary School and enjoyed some of the best of her school years at St. Bridget Catholic School. She graduated from St. Gertrude High School, attended Longwood University and graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a degree in social work, which she had hoped to use to counsel others with disabilities.
Taylor had an indomitable spirit and a smile that could light the world, but the last year of her life was marked by a multitude of surgeries and hospitalizations. Her body finally betrayed her, but her bright spirit lives on in all who knew her.
Taylor is survived by her mom and stepdad, Leigh and Nate Sewell; her dad, Chad Bernard (Casey Bowen); her twin sister, Sydney Bernard; her little sisters, Ruby and Olivia Sewell; her grandparents, Brooke and Bob Taylor and Mamiko and Ed Haynes; her aunts and uncles, Polly and Hunter Roberts and Jason and Helen Bernard; her cousins, Cole and Case Roberts and McKenzie and Jack Bernard; her great-aunts and uncles, Ellen Coleman, Rhonda Graves, Beth and John Allen, Eldon Taylor and Kathy Northington. And finally, she is survived by her rock, Nick Hoare, who loved her with all his heart.
A celebration of Taylor’s life will be held at 4:30 on July 31 at the Country Club of Virginia (Westhampton Clubhouse).
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Taylor’s memory to the Virginia Home’s capital campaign for their new facility, thevirginiahome.org/get-involved/donate. In keeping with her passion for independent and dignified living, Taylor was excited to serve as an ambassador for the new community.
Contact Us
Business Hours
Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm
Weekends: As Needed
Phones: 24 hours / 7 days
A perfect description. What a sparkle of life she was. I will miss her impish grin and delightful sense of humor. With love to all
I feel honored and blessed to say I am her friend. The love I have for this girl will never end. She will be missed by all. I love you Tator❤️ always and forever.
love always Ms.Kelly
I feel so fortunate to have known Taylor and her amazing family. She was a rockstar in her own right! Love goes out to each of you that helped make sure she had such incredible opportunities and that loved her with all your 💕
She was a true force of nature who saw no bounds! I only knew her for a short time, but she and her loving family left an indelible mark on my soul..God bless you Tay and look for Ashley as you walk into the light!
Taylor was one of my peers at VCU’s School of Social Work and I worked with her at our internships at both South Richmond Adult Day Care Center and the Children’s Hospital of Richmond. Taylor always came to class/internship with enthusiasm and such a clear dedication to learn. She was kind to everyone in class and all of our clients and coworkers. I am so sorry for all of her loved ones’ loss as well as the loss to our community. She was an inspiration to many but that will live on! I will never forget Taylor and how much she wanted to help others before herself.
I am so grateful for Taylor and enjoyed each time I did her nails. I’m so sorry for your loss and thinking about you and your family at this time.
I am so grateful for Taylor and enjoyed each time I did her nails💕. I’m so sorry for your loss and thinking about you and your family at this time.
Brooke my heart & prayers go out to You & your loved ones. I know how special Taylor was. I know your loss is great! I wish strength, peace & blessings for you all!!
Love, Vickie Volk Holpe