Bernice A. Stassi

Bernice A. Stassi, age 101, a long-time resident of Rockford, Illinois, passed away peacefully in Granger, Indiana, on January 21, 2026. She was born on April 27, 1924, in Rockford, the daughter of Joseph and Josephine (Calderotta) Prinzevalle.

She married the love of her life, George J. Stassi, on June 30, 1945. They had met at a wedding on Valentine’s Day in 1943 and became engaged shortly before George was drafted into the U.S. Navy later that year. Together, they shared a devoted marriage and raised four children.

During World War II, Bernice worked at Barber-Colman Company. After her children were in school, she worked for many years at North Towne Shopping Center—first at the Hallmark Shop and later at Chas. V. Weise/Bergner’s department store.

After George retired from Woodward Governor in 1984, they enjoyed traveling throughout the country in their motorhome. Above all else, Bernice cherished the time spent with her beloved family. After George’s death in 1995, she filled her time volunteering at various organizations, including The Literacy Council, Rockford public schools, the food pantry, and St. Bernadette’s Catholic Church. Bernice was a member of the Ladies of St. Bernadette and the Catholic Women’s League.

Bernice is survived by her children: John M. Stassi, Joseph A. Stassi, Kathleen (Thomas) Schafer, and Paul (Jeanette) Stassi; her grandchildren: Zachary (Veronica) Schafer, Nicholas (Lysette) Schafer, Eric Schafer, Anthony (Victoria) Stassi, and Daniel (Samantha) Stassi-Wierman; her great-grandchildren: Noah, Ethan, Claire, Ava, Simon, Nolan, Kelly, Jack, Theo, Owen, Dylan, and Tessa; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George; her parents, Joseph and Josephine Prinzevalle; and her siblings, Mary (Joseph) Cacciatore and John Victor (Anna) Prinzevalle.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 11 a.m. at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 2400 Bell Ave., Rockford. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mary Oratory in care of the Institute of Christ the King (ICK), 517 Elm St., Rockford, IL 61102 (please include Bells of St. Mary’s in the memo line); or to Corpus Christi Monastery of the Poor Clares, 2111 S. Main St., Rockford, IL 61102.