Bernardine "Bernie" Marini

Somers – Bernardine A. (nee: Ricciardi) Marini, age 81, passed away at home peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, March 5, 2016.

Bernardine was born on November 22, 1934 at home on 14th Avenue in Kenosha to the late Giuseppe and Ada (nee: Angelini) Ricciardi. A 1952 graduate of Mary D. Bradford High School, Bernie went on to earn her teaching degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. On June 13, 1959 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church of Kenosha, she was united in marriage with the love of her life, Albert “Al” Marini, who preceded her in death on September 15, 2014.

Bernardine was an elementary school teacher at Nicholson School in Cudahy for four years. She then stayed at home to raise her children, a time in her life she truly enjoyed. Bernie also worked part time as the bookkeeper at Marini Manufacturing.

Bernie was a member of St. Lucy Catholic Church in Racine and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Kenosha. She attended Mass and prayed the Rosary daily. She was an avid reader and enjoyed watching Westerns and mystery movies. A wonderful cook, many Sundays were spent enjoying her spaghetti and meatball dinners. No matter how long the visit, she never wanted the time to end. She had many dear friends and also enjoyed spending time with her “Sunshine Club”. Above everything else, Bernie was completely devoted to her entire family.

She will always be remembered by her family for her strong faith in God and the unconditional love she had for her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.     

Surviving are her children, Anne Marie Kroes, Mary Jo Marini, Margaret (Mike) Kahn, Laura (Scotty) Spaulding and Thomas (Nicole) Marini; grandchildren Katie (Rob) Holewinski, Kristin (Marco) Spada, John (Rachel) Kroes; Kathleen, Rob & Pete Kahn; Dominic, Gianna & Adrianna Marini; great-grandchildren, Albert, Abel, Olive & Opal Holewinski; and Lorenzo Spada; sister, Frances (William) Smithana; brother, Carlo (Marcy) Ricciardi; nieces and nephews, Carla, Ada, Lisa, Joey, Tina, Rhoda, Richie, Jeannie, Billy and Chrissy all of whom she adored; other dear relatives and friends – too numerous to mention all by name.

In addition to her Ma and Pa and her husband Albert, Bernie was preceded in death by her beautiful granddaughter, Kimberly Rose Kroes; and by her in-law’s, Albert & Florence (nee: Barto) Marini.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at 7:00 pm in Saint Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue in Racine, with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating.   Visitation will be in St. Lucy Church on Thursday from 4:00 – 7:00 pm (rosary recited at 3:30 pm).  Interment will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32 on Friday at 11:00 am. A luncheon will follow the cemetery service. Memorials to St. Lucy Church or to the Alzheimer’s Association have been suggested. 

A special note of thanks to Bernie’s caregivers, Nadia and Alexandra; and to Hospice Alliance for the compassionate care and support given in Bernie’s time of need. May God bless all of you!