Bernadine Bennett

Bernadine was born in Lansing, Michigan. She graduated from J.W. Sexton High School in January 1946 with the first class to graduate from the newly established school who started there as sophomores.

Bernadine married her childhood sweetheart, Lawrence “Gene” Bennett, in October of 1945. They had four children together. She went to work at Oldsmobile in Lansing in 1954. She explored many opportunities there. She was a UAW representative, worked in many departments and worked in management. Always bright and curious, she attended classes at Lansing Community College. She studied a vast array of topics there from shorthand to Russian and philosophy. Bernadine retired from General Motors in 1992 as a journeyman painter. She was always a trailblazer and the first woman journeyman painter in the Experimental Paint Department.

After retiring, she was a member of Parents of Murdered Children and continued her advocacy work as a volunteer with Ingham County Sheriff Department Victims Advocate program. Her dedication to these causes reflected her compassionate spirit and deep desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

Bernadine’s life was marked by strength, generosity and resiliency. She wrangled four high energy kids mostly alone after her marriage ended. Her home was always a welcome place for anyone needing a helping hand for friends and family alike.

In 2009, Bernadine moved to DeWitt, where she became a cherished member of the community. She joined the DeWitt Millenium Garden Club. She was a co-president, a member of many committees and most proud of her contribution to their annual yearbook.

A proud homebody to the end, she will be missed by all who knew her.

Bernadine is survived by her daughters: Carol Bennett and Ellen Richmond; son-in-law Michael Molitor; grandchildren: Russell (Romana), Gerald, Joel (Sabrina), Jonathon (Liana), Jessica (Ian), Sarah and Greg (Angelica); great grandchildren: Paige, Kali, Kamrin, Morgan, Kaitie, Devin, Kaycee, Noah, Cody, Christina, Ryan, Mya, Ali, Jacob, Andrew, Leah and Erin; great-great grandchildren: Alexis, Gianna, Liam, Evan, Lydia Rose, Bryce, Harrison, Grady, Emma, Hayden, Tae and Elly; brother Clyde Smith; numerous nieces and nephews; and her loving friend Steven Border.

She was preceded in death by her children: Larry Bennett and Patricia Molitor; grandchildren: Thomas, Kali and Nora; great-great grandchildren: Zachary, Fredrick and Xander; and former spouse: Lawrence Eugene Bennett.

A visitation for Bernadine will be held Sunday, March 30, 2025, from 1:00 PM until the time of the service at 2:00 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 205 E Washington, DeWitt, MI 48820. A private burial will take place at Deepdale Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions in memory of Bernadine may be made to the DeWitt Millenium Garden Club, P.O. Box 52 DeWitt, MI 48820.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Heart to Heart Hospice, especially Jen and Lindsey, for the compassionate care and support they provided during this difficult time.