Obituary of Bernice Motta

Bernice D. Motta (nee Markiel) Age 97, of Joliet, IL, passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home. Born July 28, 1917 in Chicago, IL to the late Mary (nee Lis) and John Markiel, she was raised in Braidwood, IL and resided in Joliet all of her adult life. Preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence (1970); son, Donald (H. Patricia) Motta (1995); daughter-in-law, Bernadine (nee Kunke) Motta (1970); son-in-law, Michael "Mick" Ryan (2014); sisters, Jenny Balbinot and Josephine Markiel; brothers, Ignatius and Chester Markiel; and long time friend, John (J.J.) Garbin. Survived by her sons, James L. and Richard (Kimberlee) Motta; daughter, Lorraine "Lori" Ryan; grandchildren, Kimberly Motta Mitchell, Jeri Deady (Bob Prouty), Lawrence "Larry" (Christine Jambrosek) Ryan, Michelle (Thomas) Felkins and Emilee Motta; great-grandchildren, Alec Mitchell, Molly Deady (James) Washburn, Caitlin Prouty (Forrest) Lund, McKenna Michael and Patrick Ryan; great-great-grandchildren, Andrew and Meredith Washburn. Also surviving are two brothers, John and Frank Markiel; and numerous nieces and nephews. After her family was raised, Bernice went to work in the cafeteria at Joliet Central High School and retired in 1981 as head cook after many years of faithful service. She greeted everyone with a warm smile and a big hug while offering dinner or at least a tasty snack. The last few years of her life she spent at Sunny Hill Nursing Home giving the staff, her family and friends a run for their money. She could be feisty at times, but will be remembered fondly for her kind heart and giving nature. Funeral Services for Bernice D. Motta will be held Monday, April 27, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Romeoville. Visitation Sunday, 2 - 5 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name to Joliet Area Community Hospice would be appreciated. For more information: (815) 741-5500