Mary Bernadette “Bernie” Cole

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Mary Bernadette Cole “Bernie”

Age 80 years, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2018, surrounded by her family and close friends. She was born in Chicago December 27, 1937. She is preceded in death by her brother, James and is survived by her brother, William, her sisters-in-law Adelaide Cole and Ann Cole and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Mary Bernadette “Bernie” graduated from DePaul University with a Bachelor’s degree in education and taught Spanish and secretarial skills to students at Madonna High School in Chicago and Willows Academy in Des Plaines for several years. She later earned a Master’s degree in education from the Collegio Romano in Rome where she lived from 1966-1969.

Bernie dedicated her life to serving many people by helping to develop the educational and cultural activities at centers of Opus Dei in Chicago, Florida and Milwaukee. Her last 10 years were spent at Petawa Residence where she taught many programs in Christian living for women. Bernie’s serene and welcoming personality invited all who dealt with her to seek her advice and help. She had an incredible memory, and her constant contact with relatives and acquaintances of many years invited their respect, admiration and friendship.

Visitation will be Thursday, December 20th at Petawa, 1331 N. Astor St. from 4:00PM to 9:00PM and also on Friday, December 21st at St. Mary’s Visitation Parish, 1260 Church St. in Elm Grove from 10:30AM until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30AM. Interment will follow at St. Adalbert Cemetery.

Donations in Bernie’s memory may be made to Petawa Residence, 1331 N. Astor St., Milwaukee, WI 53202 or through the Petawa website, www.petawa.org.