Sara Berninger (nee Martin), 59, of Lebanon, Ohio, passed away on September 26, 2023, following a courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by her cherished children, Nick, Mark, and Bianca Berninger, her former husband, Peter Berninger, and her beloved grandson, Carter Berninger, who affectionately knew her as "Gigi."

Born in Birmingham, Michigan, Sara grew up in a large and loving family, which includes her seven surviving siblings: Lynda (Eddie) Sizemore, Mike (Carrie) Martin, Harold "Bud" (Julie) Martin II, Tom (Grete) Martin, Chris (Karen) Martin, Mary Anne (Steve) Schaeper, and Heather (Beau Necco) Martin. Sara also leaves behind 14 nieces and nephews who will miss her greatly. She is preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Marjorie Martin, and a sister, Cheryl Anne Martin.

Sara leaves behind a legacy of love and creativity. She was a lauded interior designer and the owner of Berninger Designs in Mason, Ohio. Her stunning work earned her multiple awards and accolades throughout her career, including a Homearama 2013 People's Choice Award and the Mason + Deerfield Lifestyle Readers' Choice Award for Best Interior Designer in 2021 and 2022.

Sara lived her life with intense passion, boundless energy, and unwavering devotion to her family and her faith. She had the extraordinary ability to find profound beauty in all things, a trademark reflected in the dynamic designs displayed in homes and businesses throughout Greater Cincinnati and beyond.

Sara displayed incredible courage and determination during her two and a half year battle, having undergone extensive treatment at the Mayo Clinic, which will help further advance the research to treat pancreatic cancer for decades to come.

Above all, Sara was a devoted mother and grandmother, finding unparalleled joy in her family. Her love, wisdom, and vibrant spirit will be profoundly missed by all those fortunate enough to have known her.

A Funeral Mass is planned for Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 11 AM at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Lebanon, Ohio with a Celebration of Life to follow from 12:30 PM- 3:30 PM at Villaggio's Italian Eatery in downtown Lebanon.  In lieu of flowers, her family kindly requests that donations be made in "Gigi's" honor to the Carter Berninger Scholarship Fund.