Bertie Lou Baruffi

1928 - 2023

Bertie Lou Baruffi, 94, of Waukegan, was born December 29, 1928 in Detroit, Michigan to Bertha and John Howley. She went to be with her Lord on February 18, 2023. She married Anton Kancilja in 1948-1978. She married Daniel D. Baruffi on February 14, 1986-October 5, 2009. She accepted Jesus as her Savior in 1955. She attended Open Bible Center, Calvary Temple Church, First Southern Baptist Church, Waukegan Baptist Bible Church, and Salvation Army Church. She entertained with her accordion and singing during WWII at numerous clubs and USO's in Waukegan. Also, she used her musical talent for the Lord in Church. She taught accordion at Magri Music Studio and in her home.

She worked as a legal secretary for Illinois Title Company after graduating from Waukegan Township High School in 1946. Later years she worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and George Agency. She was a dental receptionist for Dr. James Fondriest, DDS and Dr. Bradley Rule, DDS until her retirement in 2002.

She is survived by her children Richard and Robert Kancilja and Darlene Benigno. Grandchildren include Melissa Johnson, Andrew, and Angelica Benigno. Stepdaughter Barbara Langenberg, step grandchildren Daniel (Karen) Brewer, Allyson Vizzini and Amy (Carter) Caldarelli. Step great grandchildren include Christina, Alexander and Julianne Brewer, Vittorio and Mario Vizzini and great granddaughters Caroline (Tyler) Watkins, Madison (Kyle) Pack and great great granddaughter Aurora Rose Watkins. Also, many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Daniel, her parents, infant son James Edward Kancilja, brother Robert Howley and his wife Carolyn Howley, half brother Marvin Howley and stepdaughter Ilene Brewer.

Visitation will be on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at 9:00 AM followed by a funeral service at 10:00 AM at Marsh Funeral Home located at 305 Cemetery Rd. Gurnee, IL. Interment immediately following funeral service at Northshore Garden of Memories, 1801 Green Bay Rd. North Chicago, IL.