Bernice Marino

Bernice "Bonnie" Jean Marino

October 14, 1941 - July 2, 2025

Bernice Jean Marino, lovingly known as Bonnie and "Babcia" to her family, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025, at the age of 83. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, Bonnie was the heart of her family, known for her boundless love, generosity, and selflessness.

Born in Abington, Pennsylvania, to Henry and Jean Liszewski, Bonnie and her family later moved to a farm in Moorestown, New Jersey, where she absolutely loved their beautiful farmhouse. She spent most of her life in Burlington Township, New Jersey. Her parents once owned a beloved bar in Burlington City, which she often spoke of with fondness and humor. In her later years, she moved to St. Cloud, Florida to enjoy the sunshine and warm weather.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of nearly 50 years, John J. Marino, her parents, and her sister, Carol Marino. She is survived by her brother, Hank Liszewski and his wife, Kate.

Bonnie and John's whole world were their four deeply loved children: Rick Marino (Sandy Bauder), John H. Marino (Pamela Cohn), James Marino Sr. (Kathy Marino), and Vicky Mercantini (Scott Flaer). Each of them carries forward the love, strength, and warmth she instilled in their lives.

She was a proud Babcia to many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including Jacqui Marino (Josh) and their children Olivia, Logan, and Landon Marino-Ferran; Ashley Mercantini (James) and her son Ryder Mercantini; Nicholas Marino (Rachel) and their son Colton Marino; James Marino Jr. (Ashley) and their sons CJ and Landyn Schumacher; Gabrielle Mercantini and her daughter Makenna Mercantini; Anastasia Marino and her sons Cole and Myles Van Splinter; Amanda Marino, Sarah Peoples, Katarina Marino (Brandon), Maxwell Flaer, and Ava Flaer.

Bonnie was a talented and endlessly creative woman. From prize-winning Halloween costumes in the 1970s to the hand-sculpted clay baby dolls, her love of crafting was lifelong. Her ceramic granny and grandpas, along with her Santas, became cherished treasures, while her passion for sewing, painting, and crafting by hand inspired everyone around her. There wasn't a craft out there that she couldn't master.

Her kitchen was where family came together, sharing meals of favorites like beef stew, stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chicken noodle soup. Holidays and celebrations were always held at her home, a place filled with laughter, tradition, and unconditional love.

Bonnie's great sense of humor was matched only by the size of her heart. She treated so many like family. Morgan Onori and Carly Shine, whom she loved like granddaughters, and Bob Peoples, who became like a son, were just a few of the many who found a place in her heart. She cherished her friends from Mother's Kitchen and her longtime neighbors on Longwood. If she fed you, scolded you, or sent you home with leftovers, you were part of her world. And if we tried to include everyone she loved like her own, we'd need a whole other obituary.

Bonnie will be joyfully reunited with her husband, John, the love of her life, her hero, and the man she often said she couldn't wait to be with again.

In accordance with her wishes, a celebration of life will be held in place of a traditional funeral. The celebration will take place on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Marina Banquet Hall, located on the 2nd floor at 1104 Lakeshore Blvd, Saint Cloud, FL 34769 (above Crabby's). All are welcome to come and honor her beautiful life.

Bonnie will be remembered for her fierce love, her quick wit, her creative spirit, and the way she made everyone feel like they belonged. Her presence shaped the hearts of those who knew her, and she will be missed beyond measure.