Bernadette Lee “Berni” Buszek
October 19th, 1946 - April 16th, 2023
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Berni's Obituary
After a short, courageous battle with cancer, Bernadette Buszek transitioned peacefully to the Lord with family at her side. She was always one of the strongest, most beautiful, and intelligent people in the room. She had a passion for Our Lord, Jesus Christ, her family, reading, gardening, travel, cooking, canning. She devoted her life in service to her family, Berni’s wisdom and guidance cannot be replaced. She had a wonderful sense of humor, a beautiful smile, and her laugh would fill the room.
Berni loved sharing her home-grown seedling plants every spring and canning delights in the fall. She would start all her gardening plants in her small greenhouse, then give most of them to family, friends, and anyone else who may want vegetable plants. In the fall, she devoted hours canning and/or freezing her harvest. Receiving a quart of her homemade tomato sauce was like receiving a jar of gold and her refrigerator pickles were cherished by many. She also took joy in sharing her canned goods as gifts.
Berni was an outstanding cook, and her holiday meals were legendary. Whether it was Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a birthday celebration, everyone left satisfied. Christmas cookie baking day in December was a family event. The coordination of baking more than 100 dozen cookies in a day was a remarkable sight. Juggling cookie trays, oven space, measuring utensils, and mixing bowls was conducted like a symphony orchestra. But more than baking cookies, the love, laughter, and family fellowship is what made the day special.
Although Berni was not a sports fan, she attended the sporting events of her children and grandchildren, regardless of the weather conditions. Berni loved camping with the family. Even though some people may call it “glamping” she loved the family time around a campfire at a state park, or a KOA. After retirement, she looked forward to loading up the camper and spending some time in Florida, with her husband, but always planning the return trip to get back in time to start planting seeds in the greenhouse. Berni traveled to 48 states and Puerto Rico, as well as 13 foreign countries.
Berni was a passionate reader. She read everything by Stephen King but gravitated more toward the murder mysteries. She had many favorites and most recently became a huge fan of Louise Penny. She loved talking about her latest book and recommending authors to family and friends. She also looked forward to regular springtime walks in the woods searching for morel mushrooms.
Berni also appreciated the time on our pontoon boat on Priest Lake. Sometimes it was throwing an anchor and enjoying a sunny afternoon swimming, reading, a light lunch and taking a nap. She loved taking a couple laps around the lake in the evening and greeting our wonderful Priest Lake neighbors. She also looked forward to decorating the pontoon for our annual 4th of July Flotilla.
It was important to Berni to choose just the right gift for family on birthdays and Christmas. She did not want to buy just anything; it had to be the right gift that was meaningful. And she consistently knocked it right out of the park.
Quiet afternoons on the lake, time with friends and family, Friday night dinners out or take out, will never be the same. Eternal rest grant unto Berni, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May the soul of Berni, and the souls of all the faithfully departed, rest in peace.
Berni is survived by her husband; Tom, children; Kimberly Squiers, Kristine Squiers, Anthony (Kana Ikeda) Squiers, Aaron (Diana) Squiers, grandchildren; Preston Gillum, Valentine Bee Grimm, Bronwyn Squiers and Wyatt Squiers, siblings; Naomi (Henry) Singer, Malvern “Butch” (Sheila) Bender, Francine Sykes. She was preceded in death by her parents Bernard and Adeline Bender.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 28, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart of Mary, 51841 Leach Rd, Dowagiac, with Fr.Patrick O’Neill officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, April 27, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Clark Chapel, 405 Center St. Dowagiac, MI. Rosary spoken at 7:30 following visitation at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, friends and family are encouraged to make donations to; The American Cancer Society, your local Hospice, Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Dowagiac, or The Dowagiac Area History Museum. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com
Berni loved sharing her home-grown seedling plants every spring and canning delights in the fall. She would start all her gardening plants in her small greenhouse, then give most of them to family, friends, and anyone else who may want vegetable plants. In the fall, she devoted hours canning and/or freezing her harvest. Receiving a quart of her homemade tomato sauce was like receiving a jar of gold and her refrigerator pickles were cherished by many. She also took joy in sharing her canned goods as gifts.
Berni was an outstanding cook, and her holiday meals were legendary. Whether it was Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a birthday celebration, everyone left satisfied. Christmas cookie baking day in December was a family event. The coordination of baking more than 100 dozen cookies in a day was a remarkable sight. Juggling cookie trays, oven space, measuring utensils, and mixing bowls was conducted like a symphony orchestra. But more than baking cookies, the love, laughter, and family fellowship is what made the day special.
Although Berni was not a sports fan, she attended the sporting events of her children and grandchildren, regardless of the weather conditions. Berni loved camping with the family. Even though some people may call it “glamping” she loved the family time around a campfire at a state park, or a KOA. After retirement, she looked forward to loading up the camper and spending some time in Florida, with her husband, but always planning the return trip to get back in time to start planting seeds in the greenhouse. Berni traveled to 48 states and Puerto Rico, as well as 13 foreign countries.
Berni was a passionate reader. She read everything by Stephen King but gravitated more toward the murder mysteries. She had many favorites and most recently became a huge fan of Louise Penny. She loved talking about her latest book and recommending authors to family and friends. She also looked forward to regular springtime walks in the woods searching for morel mushrooms.
Berni also appreciated the time on our pontoon boat on Priest Lake. Sometimes it was throwing an anchor and enjoying a sunny afternoon swimming, reading, a light lunch and taking a nap. She loved taking a couple laps around the lake in the evening and greeting our wonderful Priest Lake neighbors. She also looked forward to decorating the pontoon for our annual 4th of July Flotilla.
It was important to Berni to choose just the right gift for family on birthdays and Christmas. She did not want to buy just anything; it had to be the right gift that was meaningful. And she consistently knocked it right out of the park.
Quiet afternoons on the lake, time with friends and family, Friday night dinners out or take out, will never be the same. Eternal rest grant unto Berni, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May the soul of Berni, and the souls of all the faithfully departed, rest in peace.
Berni is survived by her husband; Tom, children; Kimberly Squiers, Kristine Squiers, Anthony (Kana Ikeda) Squiers, Aaron (Diana) Squiers, grandchildren; Preston Gillum, Valentine Bee Grimm, Bronwyn Squiers and Wyatt Squiers, siblings; Naomi (Henry) Singer, Malvern “Butch” (Sheila) Bender, Francine Sykes. She was preceded in death by her parents Bernard and Adeline Bender.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 28, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart of Mary, 51841 Leach Rd, Dowagiac, with Fr.Patrick O’Neill officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, April 27, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Clark Chapel, 405 Center St. Dowagiac, MI. Rosary spoken at 7:30 following visitation at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, friends and family are encouraged to make donations to; The American Cancer Society, your local Hospice, Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Dowagiac, or The Dowagiac Area History Museum. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com
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Additional Visitation Information
Rosary spoken at 7:30