Bernadine Venturini

Bernadine was born June 2, 1926 in Illiopolis, the daughter of Ben A. and Teresa Kennedy Welch. She married Bruno Venturini on May 15, 1948 in Springfield; he preceded her in death on July 6, 2004.

Bernadine was a graduate of Ursuline Academy. She was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church. She was a former member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church and choir. She volunteered in the Pastoral Care Dept. at Memorial Medical Center. She was a member of Serra Club, Catholic Daughters of America, AARP and St. Louise de Marrillac. Bernadine enjoyed cooking, reading, spending time with her family, volunteering and helping those in need.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; son, James; daughter, Rosanne; siblings, Doris, Shirlee, Carol, Mike, Ben and Wayne; and great-granddaughter, Jocelyn.

She is survived by her children, Michael, John (wife, Carole), William (wife, Barb), Mary Teresa (husband, Larry), Dennis, Paul (wife, Amy); son-in-law, Robert Eschenfeldt; thirteen grandchildren, Paul, Rachel, Jamie, Jill, Billy, Joey, Ben, Jeremy, Jessica, Nick, Anthony, Anna, and Deanna; ten great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Bernadine was a selfless, humble and fun-loving person whose greatest joy in life was doing God's work and instilling her Christian values in those that she loved. She was a genuine example of living her life by that in which she believed and touched many lives in a profoundly positive manner.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 5:00 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 27, 2016 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield. The visitation will begin with a prayer service at 5:00 p.m.

Concelebrated Funeral Mass: 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 28, 2016 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 245 N. Amos Ave., Springfield with Rev. Robert J. Jallas and The Very Rev. David A. Hoefler, V.G., concelebrants.

Private family burial will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Agnes Catholic School, 251 N. Amos Ave., Springfield, IL 62702 or St. Aloysius Catholic School, 2119 N. 20th St., Springfield, IL 62702.

Bernadine's family would very much like to express their deepest appreciation for the incredible care and comfort provided by the nurses and staff of St. John's Hospice.