Obituary of Bernice L. Chignoli
Bernice L. Chignoli, age 94, passed away Monday, December 14, 2020. She was born and raised in Joliet, IL., the daughter of the late Grant and Catherine (Dorsey) Ohlson. She was a graduate of Joliet Township High School.
If there is one thing Bernice L. Chignoli was known for, it was her love and devotion for her family and selflessly putting them above all. When she knew her family was taken care of, she passed peacefully in the early hours of Monday morning. Bernice adored her three children, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Family gatherings were some of her fondest memories. She often would sit quietly at the kitchen table with a big smile on her face, absorbing the love and laughter that filled the room. Bernice was preceded in death by her loving husband Louis C. Chignoli. They were high school sweethearts and married for 53 years. “I knew he was the one,” Bernice said. “There is a voice inside that tells you.” They road-tripped to New Orleans for their honeymoon and in the coming years had three children—Lou, Grant and Cathy. Sadly, Grant preceded Bernice in death earlier this year on June 1st. Bernice is the daughter of Grant W. Ohlson, the founder of Grant’s Hardware Co. Later she, her husband, Lou, and her son, Grant, owned and operated Grant’s True Value Hardware Inc. in New Lenox. Bernice was the bookkeeper for both businesses. She found joy in her volunteer work as a charter member of the Guild of St. Patricks Residence and held many board positions, including president. Bernice was always truly happy when she was surrounded by family. The Chignoli women loved to take her out shopping which usually always resulted in post-shopping coffee drinks. Her most important job was being the best grandmother she could possibly be and she surpassed all expectations by tenfold. Bernice lit up a room because of her contagious, warm smile and gentle soul, which led her to make many friends everywhere she traveled. Her smile will never be forgotten, nor all the lives she touched. To know Bernice, was to absolutely love Bernice. Our family matriarch will be deeply missed.
Bernice is survived by her children, Louis G. (Cheryl) Chignoli of Ft Myers, FL, Catherine T. (Walter) Ballek of Winfield, IL and her daughter in law, Janet Chignoli, and grandchildren Jennifer A. Carpel, Brian M. Chignoli, Cindi M. Gray, Wendi C. Koleszar and Taylor Ballek-MacAulay and 6 great-grandchildren.
Bernice was preceded in death by her husband, Louis C. Chignoli and her son, Grant J. Chignoli.
Visitation for Bernice L. Chignoli will be Sunday, December 20, 2020 at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.), Joliet from 2-4 p.m. A maximum of 10 guests are allowed at one time, facemasks are required and social distancing will be observed. Funeral services will be Monday, December 21, 2002 at 9:30 a.m. from the funeral home to the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Private interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Romeoville. In lieu of flowers, masses or a donation to Senior Services of Will County would be appreciated. For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or you may visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
