Bernadine Bonebrake

Bernadine Bonebrake, 79, passed away peacefully at home, under the comfort and care of her husband Charles, on Saturday, March 30, 2024.

Bernadine was born on December 28, 1944 to Ted and Angeline Radolak, and was raised in Hammond, Indiana along with her older sister, Dianne (Wozniak), and younger brother, Dennis. She attended Bishop Knoll Institute and met her husband while working at Great Lakes Screw. She and Charles resided in Olympia Fields where they raised their three daughters.

Bernadine devoted her life to her family.  A master of the household, she ran a tight ship and never left anything to chance.  Her attention to detail was impeccable – she never missed a thing. She loved to make things special and solidify memories.  Whether it was a vacation to Wisconsin Dells where we played bulldozers for hours, or how she made sure Easter baskets eagerly awaited her girls upon return from Spring Break vacation, or how she never missed an opportunity to send a card for a special moment, she wanted to make sure that her girls knew they were special and prioritized.  She had a way with making sure every birthday and holiday was celebrated and exceptional.  Some of the best memories are from childhood Christmas Eve celebrations and the Christmas morning extravaganza that followed.

Although she was a quiet and introverted woman, she was brave and fierce.  She introduced all her girls to the joys of roller coasters and loved joining them on the rides – a closet thrill seeker, if you will.  And despite the many health ailments she encountered for the past two decades of her life, she never gave up and exceeded the expectations of many physicians time and time again.

She didn't squander her time here on earth.  She made sure those she loved and cared for knew, and was the best grandma to her grandkids, something I think we all aspire to emulate when the time comes in our lives.  Her grandkids all agree that she was a very kind and loving grandma, exactly how a grandma should be.  Her patience and thoughtfulness with them were endless, and it never hurt that she always kept chocolate chip cookies on hand for them.

She was an incredible mom and wife, and no words can ever fully embody how much love her family has for her.  See you in the morning when the birdies are chirping, Mom.

She is survived by her husband Charles, daughter Jennifer (Jeff) Ahmadian of Naperville, IL, daughter Melissa (David) Pisarczyk of Crown Point, IN, and daughter Amanda (Eric) Bonebrake of Frankfort, IL, along with her grandchildren Seth, Cade, Ainsley, Taylor, Nora, Claire, and Benjamin, stepson Brian, and several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents and her siblings.

A memorial service will be held at the Tews-Ryan funeral home, 18230 Dixie Highway, Homewood IL, Saturday, June 8th from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service beginning at 2:00 p.m.