Bernardine Ann Corbeill

A longtime resident of St. Clair Shores, it is where Berny grew up and began her schooling by attending St. Gertrude’s grade school, which then transitioned to the high school where she ultimately graduated,…a proud member of the Class of ’54.

Throughout the years, Berny held various positions within the workforce where her strengths and talents were highly regarded, one of which was with the United Food & Commercial Workers Union, Local 876 where she was their Recording & Contracts Secretary for the Executive Secretary. As a single mother she attended classes at Macomb Community College to learn Stenography for that job. Other experiences included her time in Surgical Boarding for Detroit’s Holy Cross Hospital.

Both her and Wally, volunteered at a Crisis Pregnancy Center in Detroit where she was a receptionist and Wally provided peer counseling. Additionally they were dedicated to volunteer efforts with the folks at Meals On Wheels both in Florida and Michigan.

When she wasn’t working, Berny was known to be an avid reader who found great enjoyment in curling up with a good book or periodical to peruse. She was also infused with a bit of an artistic flair which expressed itself through her love of painting. The fun broke out each time she was able to share a game of pinochle with a family or friends. Nothing much beats the joy and pleasure of a game of cards and the friendly banter shared around the table between deals.

When it came to “entertainment,” Berny not only enjoyed its pleasures, but often served as the entertainment host as well. She loved throwing parties, hosting holiday gatherings, and simply bringing people together to share a little love and laughter. With homes both in Michigan and Florida, Berny was certainly not at a loss for folks to fill a guest list,…and everyone loved attending her wonderful events.

Berny will also be remembered for being a devout woman of faith. A longstanding parishioner St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Warren, since 1970. She and Wally were pillars of their church family and found strength and guidance through its teachings. Berny was extremely faithful,…not only to her church, but to her family and friends as well. She was the kind of person you could truly count on in life.

Known for being quite happy & silly, Berny brought her own unique brand of humor to the table of life, and emanated a comfort and ease of character that drew people unto herself. Together, with that “winning smile” that went before her, Berny’s personality was truly one that was contagious and fulfilling. She was certainly the kind of person you loved being around and sharing life with,…and nobody knew that better than her beloved Wally. This past October 6th marked their 30th wedding anniversary, a love affair that began when she and Wally shared their vows of marriage in 1990.

A loving wife, mother, grandmother & great-grandmother, Berny leaves a legacy of love that is sure to be cherished with each reflection shared. Her family was the pinnacle in life,…especially when it came to her precious grandchildren. She could never get enough of the moments spent in their company. She touched a multitude of hearts and souls in her journey this side of Heaven,…may she now enjoy her rewards on the other side as she rests safe in the Father’s arms. She will be missed beyond expression, and loved beyond measure.    

Bernardine was the beloved wife of Wallace. Loving mother of Michael (Cheryl) Zeitunian, Paul Reising, James (Sandra) Zeitunian, Eric (Diana) Zeitunian, W. Joseph (Deborah) Corbeill, Jeanine (John) Oswald, and Jonathon (Kathy) Corbeill. Adoring grandmother of Melissa, Kyle, Brad, Elysia, Emily, Zachary, James, Jacquelyn, Madison, Lindsay, Lauren, Mary, and Jackson; great-grandmother of Brooklyn, Rowan, and Grayson. Dear sister of Peter Reising, the late Eleanor Ellrott, and the late Bernard Reising.

Bernardine will lie in state Monday at 9am until the time of her Funeral Mass at 9:30am at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, 31555 Hoover Rd, Warren, MI 48093. Arrangements entrusted to the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home in Warren.

Memorial donations are appreciated to the Blessed Solanus Casey Guild, 1780 Mt. Elliot, Detroit, MI 48207.

Please share memories of Bernardine at her guest book below.