Mary Bertelle, 84, of Kenosha, passed away at her residence Tuesday, April 28th, 2009. She was a loving wife, daughter, mother, sister, cousin, aunt and friend to so many who will dearly miss her. Born February 1, 1925, in Lucerne, PA, she was the daughter of the late Mario and Enrichetta "Angelina" (Maoli) Castellani. In 1939 she came to Kenosha, to visit her Aunt Letitia and fell in love with Frank Bertelle. After Frank was called to service in the war, Mary returned to Detroit to work in the legendary Bomber Plant in Willow Run, MI, alongside her mother. After the war she returned to Kenosha and married Frank on April 22, 1945. Frank passed away August 30, 1982. She was employed at American Motors for 30 years and after retirement, volunteered at St. Catherine’s Hospital Gift Shop and Front Desk for 15 years. Mary loved crossword puzzles, cooking and crocheting, and she was an avid drumcorp fan. She was always sending cards to cheer up her friends and family. She was considered the "Sunshine Lady", always making people feel special. She and her husband also loved to travel. Surviving are two children, Donald Bertelle of Chicago and Aldina Bertelle of Kenosha; a sister, Esther (John) Casagrande of Melvindale, MI; a brother, James (Cheryl) Castellani of Madison Heights, MI; Sandra and Franklin Bertelle and many other beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Aldina Korpack and Josephine Allgood; and her husband, Frank. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 2nd, at Proko Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park. Visitation will be held on Friday at the funeral home from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Mary’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Donna (Buse) Mews
May 13, 2009
Aldina & DonaldI was so surprise when I heard at Church on Sunday that Aunt Mary had passed away. I am so sorry for your loss. I am also sorry that we missed her service. Aunt Mary was a Great Lady. I have many fond memories about her and Uncle Frank and even Ricky. I know how much it hurts to loose your mother with my mom passing in November of 2005. I miss her every day. I still want to call her and tell her about my day or ask her a question. The one thing that helps me is I know she is still watching over me from Heaven and that gives me great comfort I still wish I could ask her advice on so many things especially about raising our son Benjamin. But I think what would Mom do in this situation and that is usually the right thing to do.We will keep you both in our prayers and know that I will miss your Mom and will keep her memories alive with stories of things I remember from my childhood as I pass them down to my son.Take Care & God BlessDonna, TJ, & Benjamin MewsPS I called my Dad who now lives in Mississippi and has remarried and let him know about your Mom and he sends his condolences too.
bruce and peggy furlin
May 2, 2009
aldina and donald...we are thinking of you and so sorry for your loss. aunt mary was always fun to be around...and a pretty cool lady. we know she will be missed by many.peace...peggy and bruce furlin
Colleen Bush
May 2, 2009
Dear Don,Troy and I send you our deepest sympathies at this very sad time. I know how close you two were and how much you miss her. I obviously never met your Mother, but if I had I would've thanked her for raising such a wonderful son and passing her delicious recipes on down to him! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.Love,Colleen & Troy
Susan and Herby Goldman
May 1, 2009
Dear Donald and Family,May the quit places of your heart be filled with sweet echoes of your Mother's love.There is a poem She is gone by David Harkins that I wanted to share.You can shed tears that she is goneOr you can smile because she livedYou can close your eyes and pray that she will come backOr you can open your eyes and see all that she has leftYour heart can be empty because you can"t see herOr you can be full of the love that you sharedYou can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterdayOr you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterdayYou can remember her and only that she is goneOr you can cherish her memory and let it live onYou can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your backOr you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on. Whishing you much comfort durning this difficult time.Susan and Herby Goldman
Sophi Neu
April 30, 2009
Dina.....I am so sorry for your loss! You have a universe of beautiful memories, days, weeks, months and years spent with your loving mother. Hold these close to your heart because they will give you great comfort in the days to come. I always say that the greatest gift you can give a person that you love is the gift of self - caring for them during those last days. You did your mother proud caring for her the way that you did. We will all miss her very much and New Years Eve won't be the same this year. Many hugs Sophi
Annette (Meller) Parker
April 29, 2009
From the time I was a little girl visiting Kenosha with my dad, Oscar, and my brothers, Mark & Michael I remember the whole gang going to visit Mary and her family as part of the vacation ritual. In our young eyes, she was the matriarch of the Kenosha side of our family. Mark maintains to this day that he was terrified of her...she'd give that look that could stop him in his mischevious tracks...worked every time! She could be stern, but also loving and she will always remain among my fondest memories of our family trips to Wisconsin. May God bless her....she'll keep those angels in line.Much love,Annette, Mark, & Michael
mike & virginia casagrande
April 29, 2009
DONALD & BRENDASo sorry for the loss of your beloved mom. Our thoughts and prayersare with you. We will miss the birthday and holiday wishes she sent to us so faithfully over the years. Hold your memories close to your hearts for comfort and regret nothing, for we know what loving care you always gave to your mom love, Mike & Virginia
JUDY MIGLIANO
April 29, 2009
DEAR DINA, YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. I SO ENJOYED YOUR MOTHER WHEN SHE VOLUNTEERED AT ST. CATHERINE'S HOSPITAL--SHE WAS MY FRIEND AND A WONDERFUL WOMAN. SHE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW HER. WHAT A LIFE WELL-LIVED. SINCERELY, JUDY MIGLIANO