Bernadine Phelps
July 3, 1938 – March 31, 2020
Following her wishes, cremation will take place and the family is planning a celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Michigan Parkison Foundation or Southwest Michigan Hospice.
Obituary
Age 81, Bernie passed away Tuesday morning, March 31, 2020, at Rose Arbor Hospice following a lengthy illness. She was born in Joliet, Illinois on July 3, 1938, the daughter of Andrew and Anne Vanisko. After graduating from high school, Bernie worked in physical therapy as a young lady, where she began to develop her loving and caring nature. In Joliet, IL on July 12, 1965, she married Thomas Phelps who survives. Also surviving daughters Kris Phelps, Lynn (John) Hammel; granddaughters Emily and Molly Hammel; “sissy” Karen Cassani; sisters in law Sandy Hopper, and Carla Thomas; brother in law Ron (Michele) Phelps; other cousins, nieces, nephews, and close family friends. Bernie took great joy in baking her Potica cakes and giving them away to everyone. She was known as “Killer” at the Otsego Moose Lodge, and Nana to her family.
I remember countless times going over to your house with Emily for birthday parties. I strictly remember one time sitting in your living room while you were in the rocker telling me and Emily a story. You’ll be missed and I pray for your loved ones
Lin and John and family sorry to hear of your loss. Hope the memories will take some of the pain in your heart away. But you never forget your parents. I know. The loss is deep especially when it’s ma. May she be at peace.
Enjoyed meeting and seeing your mother/grandmother at Halloween. Very sweet lady!
To the Phelps family, so sorry for the loss of “Killer”. May God comfort you in this time!!!!
Bernie was such an AMAZING lady! She was funny, caring, and loving! She was always there to help in anyway she could and if you didn’t tell her how she could help you got a Potica cake anyway. She loved to bake for anyone! I think almost every time she stopped by the salon she brought us a cake. I know she will be greatly missed. She has left her family with so many wonderful memories and lessons from her! Take peace and comfort in those memories now. Praying for you all! Love you guys
Rest In Peace sweet lady. You were always so sweet to us. We will miss you and your strawberry pies! You always made sure everyone was eating! Thanks for being so sweet to Megan. We will never forget you.
Bernie was a wonderful lady. There are many memories of her and Tom coming out to the Silver Bullet dancing, drinking and watching me sing with John Brown. Going out to Camporama was always fun too. She was such a caring person and her personality reflects that with her family members. She will be greatly missed.
Bernie was such an amazing women! She always wanted me to come over so she could catch up with me. Always gave me treats and was a second grandmother. She will be missed so much. Love all of you!
Bernie, 45 years ago you became one of my very best friends. I will miss you more than you know. I know you are at peace and the pain is gone and that is what comforts me. You were one of the most giving and caring lady’s I know. Watching our children grow into adult hood together, graduations, weddings and grandchildren. All those years and all the laughs and tears we shared will never be forgotten. You have a very loving and caring family that will miss you, but you have taught them well. When we meet again, don’t worry I’ll wrap the Christmas presents. Love you Bern.
Bernie you will be greatly missed. You were such a blessing to our family growing up, and neighbors, always being the first to bring meals over. Thank you for the wonderful, caring person you were to all us kids in the neighborhood. Love and miss you, Jennifer