Bernadette Ann Paschetta

Bernadette, or “Bernie”, was born on December 29, 1945 to Clement Sliva & Frances Angelina (Vetick) in Monroe, Nebraska. Bernadette was one of six children who grew up in a small farm house outside of Platte Center, NE, caring for their animals and gardens. Bernadette graduated from Platte Center High School, Class of 1964, and went on to begin beauty school. That same year, she met Arthur Zimmerer at a county fair and they instantly fell in love, wed, and had four children: Kent Arthur (1965), Brian Paul (1966), Boyd Charles (1967) & Rachel Mary (1971). The family lived in Lindsay, NE while Arthur worked for the family operated company, Lindsay Manufacturing, and Bernadette began her lifelong call to raise her children with faith, love, and competitive spirit. Art & her were lucky enough to do a lot of traveling out of the country as well as many fun trips to other states with family, friends & coworkers. When Arthur passed unexpectedly in 1978, Bernadette leaned on the Lord’s strength and moved her family to California in 1979 with the help of brother & sister in law, Bernard & Judy Zimmerer. Widowed and relocating to Fresno, CA, Bernadette provided opportunities for her kids to be involved in sports, church, and activities. She loved attending their events and getting to know other families and making friends within their new community. Lifelong friends Mary Catherine, Judy, and Dolores unconditionally gave her encouragement & strength to make the most of life’s new circumstances. They took several trips together and probably had a little too much fun along the way. During one of those trips, she met second husband, Ivo Paschetta, while on a cruise. She found companionship in him and moved to Monterey, CA after being wed in 1985. They welcomed her last child, Chantal Angelina in 1986. The family enjoyed eating lavish Italian meals and traveling during their time in Pebble Beach, CA. Bernadette moved back to Fresno, CA in 1997 to be closer to family. She loved hosting family for late night card games and continued supporting Chantal through various sport opportunities. Throughout her time in Fresno, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren brought her the most joy. She displayed her love by serving others, cooking everyone’s favorite meals, and treated every person she came across with the utmost respect and kindness. The last few years she enjoyed gathering together in her driveway; enjoying the simple laughter, conversation, and company. She depicted selflessness, resiliency, and a genuine care for others and will be dearly missed. She established family traditions and was a true matriarch.

As some people journey through life,

they leave footprints wherever they go.

Footprints of kindness and love,

courage and compassion,

humor and inspiration, joy and faith.

Even when they’re gone, we can still look back

and clearly see the trail they left behind,

A trail bright with hope that invites us to follow.

-Author unknown

Bernadette was predeceased by Arthur Zimmerer, parents Clement & Frances Sliva, siblings Gerald and Dave Sliva, second husband Ivo Paschetta, brother in laws Bob Dix and Bernard Zimmerer, father in law Paul Zimmerer, sister in law Rosemary Schmadeke and granddaughter Emily Zimmerer.

She is survived by her sister Geraldine Dix, brothers Clement (Janie) Sliva Jr. & Tom (Doris) Sliva, brother in laws Bill (Melanie) Zimmerer, Bob (Debbie) Zimmerer & Jim Schmadeke, sister in laws Maxine Sliva, Charlotte Sliva, Judy Zimmerer, Wilma (Terry) Pruess, Helen (Paul) Zocholl, Donna (Ron) Arlt, Kathy (Ed) Benson, Jackie (Scott) Deaver. Five children: Kent (Kim) Zimmerer, Brian (Tiffanni) Zimmerer, Boyd (Christy) Zimmerer, Rachel (Scott) Zaayer, & Chantal (Kenneth) White. Fourteen grandchildren: Lauren (Bryan), Alexis (Chris), Cheyanne (Cyle), Lindsay, Nina, Payton, Grant, Natalie (Colin), Isabella (Josh), Arthur (Sophia), Nolan, Luke, Julia, Giana, and six great-grandchildren: Vincent, Leon, Audra, Callan, Sailor, & Stella. Also survived by many loved nieces, nephews, cousins, and great lifelong friends.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 24th at Whitehurst Funeral Home from 4:00-7:00pm with a Rosary to begin at 7:00pm. Services will be held 10:30am on August 25th at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Clovis. Burial to follow at Clovis Cemetery. Please join us in celebrating the life of our beloved.