My Condolences

Dear Dick, Dale, and Families,

I was so sorry to learn of Alice's passing. She was one of the sweetest people ever, and a beautiful woman inside and out. I was fortunate to know her from my childhood through adulthood. And my mom so valued their friendship.

May good memories console you.

Marie Kolar Bernardy

To My Grandmother, Gaga

Only God could have blessed me with a grandmother like you. I am fortunate to have so many memories with you, and I thank you for being so involved in my life. I will always remember you at my soccer games, cheering me on rain or shine. I will always remember you after my dance recitals, voice recitals, and plays, congratulating me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. I will always remember coming to your home in North Riverside, where there were guaranteed pierogis and my favorite game we’d play, “find the Napoleon!” Most of all, I will always remember your glowing smile. You were so proud of me no matter what activity I was involved in, and I know you are cheering me on as I complete my nursing degree, and my sister completes her medical degree. I will always love you Gaga. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being the best, most dedicated grandmother in the world.

Until we meet again, Brittany Bear

Dear GaGa

Many people ask why I called my grandma GaGa. When I was little, I tried to say "grandma" but could only pronounce "GaGa." This name stuck, and my family and I referred to her as GaGa ever since. I have many fond memories with Gaga, celebrating Easter at her house, going to the Polar Bear for ice cream, and looking for her and Papa sitting on the sidelines at my soccer games. She was also an amazing artist. I will cherish the Cinderella painting she lovingly painted for me when I went through a Disney princess phase in middle school. I still have it hanging in my bedroom. I love you GaGa. I aspire to be as loving, talented, and sociable as you were.

TO MY LOVING MOM ("GaGa")

My Mom was the best Mother, parent and friend all of my life. I could not ask nor expect anything more from her. She led a very full, active and happy life. She passed from this world without pain, without suffering, but with happiness and love for her friends and family in her heart and soul. She had many talents as a loving Mother and parent, as a devoted wife (to my Dad – “Joe”), as a servant to Mater Christi Parish and the Village of North Riverside, and as an accomplished artist. She was always happy, always approachable, always willing to talk and spend time with others. She enjoyed living life and giving to others. Her Faith in God and family were always her priorities. My Mom gave me so many gifts and taught me so much about having Faith and family and respect for others as being priorities and to know the difference between right and wrong. She was always at my Dad’s side and together lived life to the fullest with love for each other in their hearts. They are now together again in Eternal Life with the Lord our God. Mom, I will continue to love and talk with you each and every day going forward.

With all my love, your son Dick Mitchell

Dearest Godmother

Without a doubt the one-word description that sums up my overall memory of my Godmother is "grace" - from the way that she spoke, her actions, and just the way that she carried herself. She was one of the most beautiful women I have ever had the privilege to know, both inside and out. I've been so lucky to have had her in my life, and going forward, so lucky to keep close a memory of one of the finest examples of "grace" I'll ever know.