Bernadine T. Dressel

Bernadine T. Dressel, R.N. (nee Maloney), age 98; Born into Eternal Life on December 15, 2025; Beloved wife of the late Dr. Robert F. Dressel, M.D.; Loving mother of Mimi (John) Troller, Bob (Lori) Dressel, Brian Dressel, Diane (Steve) Carlton and Steve (Donna) Dressel; Proud grandma of 13; Beloved aunt of many nieces and nephews; Dear sister of the late Tom (late Margaret) Maloney, Joe (Peggy) Maloney, the late Pat Rinella, the late Reverend Jim Maloney, Marg (Jerry) Hanlon, Rich (Lynn) Maloney and Carol (late Federico) Reyes; Devoted sister-in-law of the late Dolores Yore, the late Reverend Willard Dressel, S.J. and Joan (late Jim) Temple.

Bernadine Dressel was a loving wife and doting mother and grandmother. As the matriarch of the family, she was extremely responsible and organized, a take charge person and list maker, so no detail was overlooked. Bern met her future husband, Bob Dressel, while working as a nurse at Little Company of Mary Hospital, where Bob was a resident, and they married in 1950. Together, they raised their five children in Evergreen Park, Illinois, within walking distance of the hospital where Bob was on staff, and also close to their faith community, Saint Bernadette's Parish. One word that describes Bernadine, known as Bern or Bernie by her friends, is Social. Bern loved to entertain and graciously hosted a plethora of gatherings for her family and friends over the years, including ice-skating parties, private bus outings to White Sox games, Easter egg hunts, and an annual Christmas grab bag. Bern enjoyed playing bridge and golf and introducing the latest and greatest new games to her family each year. The Dressel household was a fun place to hang out. With kindness and warmth, Bern's hospitality extended to her children's friends and neighbors who felt her inviting open door policy. Bob and Bern filled their home with a player piano, organ, drum set and guitar, creating a festive atmosphere with frequent sing-alongs and band music. Over the years, thoughtful and generous Bern was particularly mindful of her Godchildren, her nieces and nephews and grandchildren, remembering their birthdays, graduations, and special occasions with cards and gifts. This supportive caregiver and nurse often drove sick friends and neighbors to doctor appointments or supplied them with a meal. She modeled a life of all inclusiveness toward others with her kind heart. While Bern will be deeply missed, we, her family, are picturing Bob and Bern eternally reunited and perhaps hitting the dance floor, just like Fred and Ginger, as they did throughout their marriage.

Visitation Saturday, December 20, 2025, at St. Barnabas Church, 10134 S. Longwood Dr., Chicago, IL from 9:00 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Interment St. Mary Cemetery. Memorial donations to Misericordia, 6300 N. Ridge Ave., Chicago, IL 60660 would be most appreciated. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Walter Quinlan Funeral Directors, 708-425-3700 or www.walterquinlanfuneraldirectors.com.