Shirley A. Bernard

1937 - 2022

Shirley A. Bernard
Born: October 9, 1937 in LaSalle, IL
Died: January 13, 2022 in LaSalle, IL
Shirley A. Bernard, affectionately known by family and friends as Busia, 84, of LaSalle, passed away peacefully in her home on January 13, 2022.
She was surrounded by her loving family and her extended family, the Tom Mrowicki family. Per her wishes cremation has been accorded.
A memorial Mass will be Thursday, January 20 at 11 a.m. in St. Hyacinth Church. Fr. Tom Otto, Pastor of LaSalle Catholic Parishes, will officiate.
Burial will be in St. Hyacinth Cemetery. A memorial visitation will be in church on Thursday from 9:30 until the time of services.
The Burgess Funeral Home in LaSalle is handling the arrangements.
Shirley was born October 9, 1937 in LaSalle to Jacob and Rose (Pilarek) Jaraczewski.
She married Robert "Bob)" F. Bernard at St. Hyacinth's Church in LaSalle on August 27, 1960.
She grew up in LaSalle, and worked for the LaSalle Post Office as a rural mail carrier for more than 30 years.
She served Dimmick Township until her retirement at age 72.
Shirley was very deep in her catholic faith and was an active member of St. Hyacinth's church.
She was the CCD Coordinator and teacher for First Holy Communion at St. Hyacinth's and the LaSalle Catholic Parishes for over 30 years.
Shirley was also instrumental in several Dimmick School programs, including the transition of the former PTA to the Dimmick Parent Teacher Organization, and was also a trailblazer in the creation of the hot lunch program at the school by initiating the hot dog days program with other local mothers.
She had many interests and a deep love for her family. She enjoyed flower gardening and hanging out on her front porch.
She loved traveling to Disney, enjoyed shopping trips and going to plays in Chicago with her daughter.
Her great nieces and nephew were close to her heart and she loved hearing from them about their lives.
She also enjoyed watching her grandson and his friends build their demo cars in the shop.
She blessed each car with holy water before they left.
Shirley was also overjoyed and proud of each of her children and grandchildrens' accomplishments, and especially the birth of her great-grandson Waylon, who was her 'lil man.
Shirley is survived by her children, Penny (Dale) Steele, Michele (Robert) Waters and Bob (Bobette) Bernard, all of Dimmick; three grandchildren, Jacob (fiancée Sara Hunt) Bernard, Zachary Waters and Samantha Bernard (Chase Norton); and great- grandson Waylon Norton.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Robert in 2016; and brothers James Jaraczewski and Eugene Jaraczewski.
In Busia's words, Bogiem.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.burgessfh.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for her favorite charities.