Bernadette Loretta Diroff

Bernadette Diroff 87, of Westland , Michigan and Sarasota, Florida died peacefully at Tidewell Hospice House on Tuesday, May 27th.

Born November 11, 1926 in St. Paul Minnesota to Michael P and Anne Marie Leahy O'Connell. She married Joseph E Diroff on November 15, 1947, he proceeded her in death. Surviving are daughters Mary Quinley ( Fred) of Livonia, Michigan, Catherine Diroff of Sarasota, Florida, Bernadette Gottschalk ( James) of Sarasota, foster daughter Maria Butkiewicz ( Don), sons Joseph ( Lisa) of Bradenton, Michael of Bradenton, Thomas of Livonia, Michigan, Vincent( Nancy) South Lyon, Michigan, John ( Suzy) Collierville , Tennessee, Peter ( Cathy) Tallahasee, Florida. 14 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren, many, many nieces and nephews , sisters & brother in laws, childhood girlfriends & life time friends that she loved so much. She was preceded in death by her brother and sister.

Bernadette was devoted to her children and extended family. She was the happiest in their presence. Her devotion in life was family and friends and it was enhanced by her passion for sports and everything Irish, especially her beloved Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings. Not a day went by without a conversation ( usually numerous) about one of these teams. She could share stats and stories more so than any sport fanatic in town. Bernadette shared many great years with her husband, "The Brow", attending her favorite teams games, watching sports on tv and Spring Training in Sarasota and Lakeland. She loved sitting outside watching her squirrels and admiring all the springtime flowers. Her home was filled with every imaginable type of ladybug items. She always told her children " Use the brains God gave you!" and ended most conversations with "That's all I know!" which would give them quite the giggle.

A funeral Mass will be Monday, June 2nd at 11am with an in state time of 10am at St Michaels Catholic Church in Livonia Michigan. Visitation is Sunday, June 1st at Harry J Will Funeral Home from 3 til 8 pm with a scripture service at 6 pm.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to Tidewell Hospice for their guidance and tenderness to Bernadette and her family.

Memorials may be made in Bernadette's name to Compeer Sarasota (volunteers in the community connecting with adults with mental health challenges), St. Vincent dePaul Society and Tidewell Hospice.