We are genuinely sorry to hear of the loss of an amazing person. Please try and accept our condolences, and may our prayers help comfort your family. 

I met Bernadette in 1984 when I moved into the condo attached to theirs. At first, we only said occasional greetings - we were all working and busy. Then one day, Bernadette and I were outside in our backyards at the same time. She invited me over, and our gab sessions began. She was someone I knew I could count on if I ever needed anything, and she knew the same about me. Our lives moved in different directions, and we all left the condo life behind. But, the occasional in-person visits continued, and I watched her family grow. 

She embraced motherhood with her entire heart and soul. She became a fierce protector of her children and set out to give them their best lives possible. Our lives took different paths  - I moved several states away. But we'd have semi-annual "catch-up" calls to share what was happiest and heaviest on our hearts. She was such a good listener and gave thoughtful, detailed ideas. She always ended our conversations with an invitation to visit when I was back in Ohio.  

Then came the call earlier this year with the news of her cancer. We cried together; she was realistic in her prognosis but heartbroken at just becoming Emerson's grandmother and leaving that baby and her children before she had grown old. As a friend, I felt so helpless to ease her pain and anxiety. She understood. 

My last conversation with her was late one night before her last hospitalization. It was an awesome conversation! She ended our conversation by giving me words that will resonate with me for the rest of my life. She thanked me for being her friend, for caring about her in the early days, for caring about her children, and for caring about her so intensely during the dark days of her soul. "I just want you to know that you gave me friendship when I needed it the most."  Bernadette...it was you who gave me friendship when I needed it the most over the past few years. You'll be in my heart forever. (What I loved the most about you.....your laugh!)

Love  & Light....

There is a lot you’ve prepared me for but this was never one of them. Words cannot begin to describe the love and thanks I have to have been blessed to have a mom like you. You truly are my best friend and I could’ve never made it these 30 years without you. What I would do to go back to 1992 so we could do it all over again. I will miss calling you numerous times a day for no reason at all but just to get to talk. I will miss being able to cook your favorite meals and spend time together scrapbooking. God gave us a sign 10 months ago that our time together was limited, but you and I we made sure we made that time count. I will tackle on this next chapter of my life without my best friend - without my mom. But I know that even though I can’t see you, hear you, or feel you, I know that you will still be right next to me every step of the way. I will not fail you and I hope I continue to turn out to be the girl you always saw me to be. I love you forever and always mom. Save a spot up there for me 💕

OBITUARY

Bernadette Ann Elizabeth Jaces

September 27, 1957 – July 2, 2023

DiCicco & Sons Funeral Home

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