Bernadette Motschman

Born in Thurles, County Tipperary, Ireland in 1938, Bernie was born into a large, lively and loving family. At just 17, she bravely set out for the United States to work as a nanny in Chicago, living on Lake Shore Drive. During her voyage, she met three Irish sisters—Lily, Trisha, and Kathleen—who would become her lifelong friends.

In 1963, Bernie met her beloved, Lou Motschman, at the Aragon Ballroom, where they danced their way into each other’s hearts. They married soon after and built a life filled with love, laughter, and family. She was a devoted wife to Lou and later a cherished friend of George Burns.

Bernie was a force of nature—kind, strong, generous, and endlessly loving. She touched the lives of everyone she met. She was a loving and extraordinary mother to her children, Michael and Ellen, and a second mother to Sherry Loeber. Her granddaughters, Taylor and Nicky Loeber, held a special place in her heart, and she adored them completely.

She was a treasured aunt to Karen Lundquist and her whole family, Gerald Copeland, Edward Harris, and Jim Harris, and a proud godmother to Libby Hopkins. Bernie’s circle of love extended far and wide, including dear friends from every chapter of her life. Her faithful walking companion, Shelby, a friend’s dog, brought her daily joy. And no dessert brought her more happiness than Alex’s fresh cannoli from Venuti’s.

Bernie was truly one of a kind—fierce in her love, unwavering in her friendship, and unforgettable to all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to JourneyCare Hospice, Barrington, IL, in her honor.

Visitation Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Oehler Funeral Home, 2099 Miner Street, Des Plaines, IL. Funeral Service Thursday, June 26, 2026 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment Fairview Memorial Park, Northlake, IL. For more information, please call (847) 824-5155.