Obituaries

BIGATTINI, Bernadette

January 8, 1951 – May 15, 2023

On May 15, 2023, Bernadette went to be with the Lord after a two-month struggle with her heart. Her family is heartbroken. She was born and raised in Kelowna. She went to St Joseph's Elementary School and did her high school in Saskatchewan at St Ursula's Academy. Soon after high school, she met the love of her life, Marino, at the A&W in Kelowna. They married young and started their family soon after.

Bernadette was predeceased by her parents Harold and Chick Whitehouse; her sister Patricia; brothers Nigel and Malcolm; and her nephews Tim and Craig. She will be missed dearly by her loving husband of more than 53 years, Marino; her children, Chad (CJ), Lisa (Karl), and Tyler (Kate); her grandchildren Emma, Nicolas, Sofia, Kaden, Simon, Luke, Matteo, Isabella and Samuel; her siblings Janet, Ian (Sally), Deb (Dave), Bruce (Patty); sister-in-law Flo (Jim); and brother-in-law Reno (Margaret).

Bernadette was very involved in her community. She was a care aide and later a nurse, and she enjoyed her time at Avonlea Home and Pine Acres. For 20 years, Bernadette organized shopping bus tours to Seattle, and she loved her Seattle ladies and planning these trips with her daughter. Bernadette faithfully volunteered at the Legion where she served lunch weekly and planned events such as wheelchair day. The Legion held a special place in her heart as her father was a veteran and the president of the Legion in the Kelowna branch. Bernadette was known to be a sports fanatic (for both hockey and soccer). She tried to never miss her kids' or grandkids' games. Bernadette knew how to make each holiday special. She loved to bake and deliver homemade goods to her family both near and far, and she will be remembered for her Easter bread and cinnamon buns. Every December she hosted “Nana Bake Day” with the grandkids. She loved going on long drives with Marino. They participated in many car shows with their classic Hot Rod. She loved a good cup of tea and playing long card games. Bernadette read many books and enjoyed writing. She loved her family so much, especially her 9 grandkids. She counted it a blessing that her children and grandkids all lived in Kelowna. Bernadette will be remembered as a loving wife who took care of her husband Marino with all of her heart, a wonderful mother to her kids and to everyone who needed a mother figure in their life, and a cheerleader nana to the grandkids. She has left a huge hole in her family and the community, but her legacy will live on with the people she touched.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

There will be a Funeral Service to honour Bernadette on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at 1:30 PM at Willow Park Church, 439 Hwy 33, Kelowna, BC V1X 1Y2.

In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society, www.cancer.ca, or the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 26 Kelowna, www.kelownalegion.ca/links.php.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com

Link: www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/bigattini-bernadette/

Condolence Messages

Jun 09, 2023
Marino and family,

Thinking of you all during this hard time. Bernie was such an incredible and strong person. She was my work partner at Pine Acres Home for many years. I enjoyed going on our bus trips to Seattle, our many work trips to Vancouver and our monthly lotto draws the past 7 years.

Bernie, you will be missed.

Love, Erin G - Erin Gough
Jun 07, 2023
It is with profound sadness I write this message. I can not imagine a world without Bernie in it. We became family 50 years ago. The most warm and welcoming human being I knew. Marino was the love of her life and she poured great love into her kids and grandkids. Thank you for loving Todd and being a part of our lives. I love you Bernie. I will miss you! ? Love Deborah J Cameron - Deborah J Cameron
Jun 04, 2023
Dear Lisa, Karl and family, we would like to express our deepest condolences to you all in the loss of your Mom and Grandma. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God’s comfort and his peace give you the strength in this time of grief.

Love and prayers Shawn and Mariellen Wall - Mariellen
Jun 04, 2023
Bernie was a very special lady,she loved her family so much and spoke of them often while at work at Pine Acres, and shared lots of pictures with pride!We all loved it when she was in a room, she changed the whole atmoshere with her kindness and joy!Such a beautiful lady.One of a kind.My condolences to her family. God bless her wonderful soul. - Kerin Ensign
Jun 04, 2023
So sorry for your loss. Our hearts and prayers go to your family in this difficult time.

Dan Pucci and the Pucci family
Jun 04, 2023
My sincere condolences to the Bigattini familly. I have know them for over 50 years.As a youngster I visited them on many occasions,and Bernie was always so kind and generous to me.Many times I would stay for supper and enjoy the good meals she made.Bernie also provided me with words of wisdom,to help me navigate through life.There will always be a place for her in my heart. Walter Czaja - Walter Czaja
Jun 03, 2023
Bernie's enthusiasm on the Seattle expeditions was surpassed only by her fabulous organizational skills and strong desire to get a great deal. She made those bus trips so much fun, especially when Lisa came along to share in the antics. Dear Lisa, my thoughts are with you and all your extended family as you mourn the loss of a most lovable and beloved woman. You were lucky to have her as your mom and also as a precious friend. My heart hurts for yours. With hugs and sincere regrets, - Donna Rubadeau
Jun 03, 2023
To Chad and family

So sorry for your loss, my thought are with you.

- Jason Bennett
Jun 01, 2023
As Maureen mentioned, Bernie was a member of our TOPS 1556 group. I remember Berniefor her positive and loving nature; she could always smile. I loved to her her 'Sammo' stories when I asked her for one at our weekly meetings. I, too, enjoyed a Seattle trip with Bernie; she knew how to have fun. Family and friends were most important to her. She will be sorely missed.

- Eileen Cousineau
May 29, 2023
Lisa and family

So very sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Praying God will wrap His arms around you and give you peace.

- Bob & Irene Balehowsky
May 28, 2023
Berni was a true BCGEU sister. Condolences to the family, she will truly be missed by many. A leader for many. In solidarity - Dolly Zawaduk
May 27, 2023
Condolences to Bernie’s family! She was an amazing lady and I enjoyed working with her at Pine Acres. Her outgoing personality was an asset to her job and she will definitely be missed! - Roberta Chowanietz
May 27, 2023
I am sorry to hear about Bernie's passing. She was such a great soccer supporter

Rest In Peace Bernie

Kees Boersma (Tyler's past soccer coach) - Kees Boersma
May 27, 2023
Marino and family so sorry for your loss. Bernie was a great person she will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.

Alan Stoppa
May 27, 2023
I am so veryvsorry to hear ofbthe loss of yourvdear Berni. Please accept my condolences to you and your family - Cathy Seagris
May 26, 2023
It was such a privilege to work with Bernie and her calm,caring and loving ways.She and Lisa also made the bus trips so much fun. You her family could not have had a wife and mother who loved you more. May the Lord bless and strengthen you each day and fill you with all the wonderful memories. - Carol Ironmonger
May 26, 2023
To the whole family,

Mike and I are so saddened to hear of Bernadette's passing. She was a wonderful lady and even though its been a very long time since we have seen Bernadette, we remember how kind she was and full of life. Our deepest condolences. Mike, Bronwen and family. - Bronwen Fraser
May 26, 2023
To all Bernie's family,Bernie was a member of my TOPS chapter while I lived in Kelowna. What a positive vibrant woman she was. On the Seattle bus trips she would greet us all with some goodies before we left. She loved to bake and share. She will be sadly missed but she has left everyone who knew her with some happy memories. I know you will all have many more to help you through this time of loss. - Maureen Mieras
May 26, 2023
Bernie a great person. Condolences to all your love ones.

You are one of a kind person.. I enjoyed

The many years we worked together with BCGE UNION. Working at Bargaining table to make sure nurses and care aides got the salary they deserve and benefits enhancements. After few years of retirement we finally met again at a common friend house for Christmas tree party. We had lots of stories to tell and giggles. Your death shocked me. My dear collegues you accepted God calling and you have no more sufferings.RIP - Flore Langeslag
May 26, 2023
A beautiful soul lives on in the hearts of everyone who knew

Bernie. Our heartfelt prayers and love go out to each of

you in the family. The Lejbak Family - Maureen Lejbak
May 26, 2023
Bernie worked with me at the Legion on wheel Chsir day ( we had seniors homes in for snacks and had entertainment for them) I had to step down and Bernie took it on, and of course did a great job. Bernie was so tuned into making it a great experience for our guests.

She was so proud of her family and was always ready to share their happiness.

The world lost a very wonderful person, rest in peace my friend.

- Darlene McCaffery
May 26, 2023
What a wonderful lady!My sincere condolences to all her family.I had the pleasure working with Bernadette at the Legion.She always kept us up to date on her family of which she was so proud.Sure will miss her stories .Heaven has gained a shining star.

Sincerely,

Anne Millsap
May 25, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Domenic and Lina Rampone - Domenic Rampone
May 25, 2023
I was lucky enough to meet Bernadette through the BCGE union and work alongside her for a bit. She was unfailingly kind and empathetic to all. My deepest sympathy to all of her family and friends.

Lee Menzies - Lee Menzies
May 25, 2023
We are so very sorry Aunty Bernie did not pull through this. But she has touched so many hearts that she will live on for a very long time. Uncle Marino, we love you and are there for you and all the rest of the family. Aunty Bernie was a wonderful lady that I guess God just had a higher purpose for her and needed her sooner than we all wanted. Love to all the family xoxox - Brenda, Terry & family
May 25, 2023
To Lisa and family

Sorry to hear the loss of ur mom. Prayers for healing for the family - Judy Neufeld
May 25, 2023
So very sorry with you Bigattini family. Bernie left an incredible legacy in each of you! - Melissa Feddersen