Bernice Lardi

Bernice J. Lardi

Age 91 of Coal City and formerly of Wilmington, Illinois, passed away peacefully Saturday, June 12, 2021 at her home.

Born July 27, 1929 in Symerton, Illinois, Bernice Joan was a daughter of William Joseph and Jennie Loretta (Dillon) Bell. She was raised in the Wilmington area and graduated from the Wilmington Public Schools. On May 23, 1954, Bernice married James Lardi, and together they made their home and raised their family in Wilmington.

A dedicated wife, mother and grandmother, Bernice loved to cook and bake, and was always the one to make that special cake on everyone’s birthday. She was a member of St. Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington and over the years was involved with the Council of Catholic Women.

Survivors include her husband of 67 years, Jim; five children: Jeff (Barb) Lardi of Wilmington, Bob (Sally) Lardi and Jim (Renee) Lardi, both of Morris, Mary Lardi of Hoffman Estates and Bill (Melissa) Lardi of Coal City; eight grandchildren: Tony (Alexa) Lardi, Michelle (Ryan) Hall, Bobby (Hallie) Lardi, Kelly Lardi, Ashley Lardi, Kaitlyn Lardi, Lexi Lardi and Abby Lardi; six great grandchildren: Kayla, Bella, Olivia, Hunter, Scarlett and Meghan, and two sisters-in-law, Betty Van Duyne and Ann Lardi, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents; grandson, Jeffery Lardi, Jr.; one sister, Mary Thompson-Tatro, and two brothers, Ray (Rosanna) Bell and Leo Bell.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at St. Rose Catholic Church, 604 South Kankakee Street in Wilmington on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of funeral service 11:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend James Dougherty, assisted by Deacon Jay Plese.

Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Wilmington.

Pallbearers will be: Jeff Lardi, Bob Lardi, Jim Lardi, Bill Lardi, Tony Lardi and Bobby Lardi.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Bernice’s memory to Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Way, Joliet, Illinois 60431 or to Kuzma Care Cottage, 635 S. Main Street, Wilmington, Illinois 60481.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Bernice’s memorial page online through social media by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com/obituary/Bernice-Lardi

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. ( 815-476-2181 )