Bernadette Valy

Bernadette Rosemary Valy

“Bernie”

Age 78 of Wilmington and formerly of New Lenox, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, September 24, 2017.

Born October 31, 1938 in Chicago, Illinois, Bernadette Rosemary was a daughter of Joseph James and Mary Ann (Cucci) Taylor. She was raised in Chicago and graduated from the Academy of Our Lady with the Class of 1957. After high school, Bernie went to work at Merrill Lynch before gaining employment with Allstate Insurance. She later took a position with Celtic Insurance, from where she retired as a licensing agent.

Bernie was an active member of St. Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington, and formerly belonged to St. Jude Catholic Church in New Lenox and St. Patrick Parish in Wilton Center. Her desire to help others was demonstrated through her volunteer involvement serving the homeless at Day Break Shelter in Joliet for over 20 years. Bernie was also very active with Meals on Wheels both delivering and managing the center in New Lenox for many years. Her move to Wilmington did not diminish this desire to serve, as she volunteered at Kuzma Care Cottage.

A woman of deep faith, Bernie belonged to St. Rose Council of Catholic Women (CCW), and was a devoted member of the Legion of Mary. She participated in Eucharistic Adoration at Immaculate Conception Parish in Braidwood, and took part in the public Rosary at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Wilton Center.

One of Bernie’s greatest joys was spending time with her family and grandchildren. She also took great pleasure in  quilting, and was proud to leave a piece of her legacy to her grandchildren, whom each received one of her handmade quilts.

Survivors include her three children: Julie (Ron) Vilt of Wilmington, John (Carroll) Conry of Chicago and Scott (Kathy) Conry of Frankfort; eight grandchildren: Emily Vilt, Katherine Vilt, Jeremy Conry, Sarah Vilt, Cody Conry, Megan Conry, Carmen Conry and Leona Conry; one brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Mary Beth Taylor of LaGrange; brother-in-law Jack Dennison of Naperville and sister-in-law Lorraine Valy of Joliet, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Bernie was preceded in death by her parents; husband Glenn Valy on August 8, 2009, and three sisters: Dolores Dennison, Marlene Taylor and Joan (Lawrence) O’Brien.

Per Bernie’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation on Saturday, September 30, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. until time of funeral service 12:00 p.m. at Saint Rose Catholic Church, 604 South Kankakee Street in Wilmington. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Sebastian Gargol, as well as Deacon Milt Leppert and Jay Plese.  A memorial luncheon will immediately follow in St. Rose School.

In following Bernie’s desires, a private inurnment in the presence of her children and grandchildren will be at Maplewood Cemetery in New Lenox. It is here that Bernie will be laid to rest with her late husband Glenn.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Bernie’s memory to Kuzma Care Cottage 635 South Main Street, Wilmington, Illinois 60481.

Family and friends may sign the guest book, upload photographs or share Bernie’s memorial page online by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com.

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