Obituary of Dorothy A. Bernhard
Dorothy A. Bernhard, (nee McGrath), age 88, of Manhattan, IL, found eternal light on December 25, 2024, with her loving family by her side at Lightways Hospice Home in Joliet.
Dorothy is survived by her husband of 68 years, James E. Bernhard; her loving children, Nancy (Bob) Tomaska, Paul (Mary) Bernhard, Jeffery Bernhard, Laura (Paul) McGuire and James Bernhard. In addition her pride and joy, her grandchildren, Robert and Katherine Tomaska, Michael and Kimberly Bernhard, and Thomas, Matthew (Catherine) and Joseph (Emily) McGuire. Additional joy was found in her great-grandchildren, Gabriel and Francis McGuire. Also surviving are sisters-in-law, Rita and Kathy McGrath, in addition to numerous nieces and nephews.
Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents, James and Dorothy McGrath; siblings, Edward (Rita) McGrath, Joan Ginter and James (Kathy) McGrath; and four nephews, Fr. Mike Ginter, Tom Ginter, Dan McGrath and James P. McGrath.
In addition to lovingly raising five children on the farm, Dorothy had multiple interests which included gardening, painting, and collecting vintage glassware. She enjoyed classical music and attended many concerts in Chicago. She spent many years volunteering at Our Lady of Angels Nursing Home. She was most proud of being elected to Laraway Grade School District School Board for several years as she advocated for special needs children, as well as obtaining her stock broker license.
Visitation for Dorothy will be held on Sunday, December 29, 2024, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet. Funeral Services will be held Monday, December 30, 2024, beginning with prayers at 9:00 a.m. at the funeral home, to Queen of the Apostles Catholic Church, 18 Woodlawn Avenue, Joliet, for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Romeoville, IL.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Trinity Services, 301 Veterans Parkway, New Lenox, IL 60451, (www.trinityservices.org), Queen of Apostles Catholic Church, 18 Woodlawn Avenue, Joliet, 60435, or Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431 (www.lightways.org).
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
