Bernadine Ann Smith

Bernadine Ann “Bernie” Smith, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on February 19, 1930, Bernie was a lifelong resident of the Joliet area. After graduating from St. Francis Academy, she married her grade school sweetheart, William “Bill” Smith. Together, they celebrated 65 years of marriage before his passing in 2017. Bernie retired from the Joliet West High School cafeteria staff, where she was well known as the “milkshake lady.” While she enjoyed her work, it was her family that truly defined her life. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her sons, Michael (Sandra) Smith of Shorewood and Thomas Smith of Joliet; her granddaughters, Amy Smith (Amado Guerrero) of Chicago and Renee (Jim) Wuttke of Joliet; and her adored great-grandchildren Jakob, Austyn, Jaxon, Aubree, Brody, and Joshua. Bernie loved them all with all her heart.

Welcoming her home is her husband, Bill; her parents, John and Martha (Ceranski) Zielinski; brothers, Norbert Zielinski, Leonard Zielinski, and LaVerne Zielinski; and her former daughter-in-law, Catherine O'Connor.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM, at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Rd, Joliet, IL.

funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, February 19, 2025  at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 830 Elizabeth St., Joliet,IL, Burial will be held privately.