Mardeen Berta

“Nonie”

All who knew Mardeen Berta would agree that she was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She was gracious, generous, and classy in the most enchanting way and someone who believed in always looking her best. Nonie lived her life to serve others and was deeply devoted to not only her husband and children, but also to her parents and extended family members as well. Accompanied by an unwavering faith, she became well educated in numerous ways when it came to the Catholic faith so that she could serve those within her community as well. Although she accomplished a great many things along her life’s journey, there was nothing that made Mardeen more proud than her family tree that blossomed to include numerous branches of loved ones who were her most priceless treasure. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

With the end of WWI in 1918, America was recognized as a world leader and poised for greatness. Amidst this exciting time a young couple from Coal City, Illinois, was focused on an exciting time of their own as they welcomed a baby girl into their hearts and home on July 2, 1923. Margaret Aldeen was one of three girls born to her parents, Charles and Margaret Borella - Boggio, and she was raised in the family home on Broadway alongside her two sisters, Evelyn and Angela. She was a student at local Catholic schools and also helped at her parents’ family’s store, Boggio’s Clover Farm Store.

While growing up Mardeen was a bustle of activity. She started playing the organ at Assumption Catholic Church when her father volunteered her to play for a funeral at the young age of 12. From there she played regularly for not only funerals, but for Mass every morning before school started. Mardeen was involved in school musicals and plays when oftentimes she had the lead role, and she was also in the band

and played tennis. She went on to graduate from Coal City High School. As a young woman she tried to enlist in the service as a nurse, however, hay fever left her unable to serve.

Not to be forgotten during this time was Mardeen’s blossoming romance with the young man of her dreams. His name was Barney Berta, and their families were friends. Whereas the spark was ignited in high school, it wasn’t until their early twenties that their romance began. Mardeen

recounted hearing Barney in the Faletti Orchestra at the Coliseum in Coal City during those years, and it wasn’t long before the couple found themselves

deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Mardeen and Barney were married on May 12, 1946, at Assumption Rectory as Barney was Presbyterian. The newlyweds honeymooned in Chicago, and they later went to the Black Hills. At first they lived with Barney’s parents on the farm, and it was less than one year later that they were blessed with the birth of their son, Michael. He was later joined in the family by three more children, Charlie, Mary Jean, and Amy.

There was nothing that Mardeen treasured more than her family. They had dairy cows, which meant that vacations were few and far between, however, they were able to later make memorable trips to the Wisconsin Dells and also to Colorado. Mardeen was a typical farmer’s wife who knew how to bail hay, drive the tractor, and milk cows in addition to running her house and home. She was an active part of her children’s lives as she enjoyed attending all of their activities and was president of the mother’s club at Assumption School. They had quite the year at one point as Mike graduated from college, Charlie from high school, Mary Jean from eighth grade, and Amy from kindergarten all in the same year! As their children grew and had families of their own, Nonie was thrilled and continued to delight in each and every family member. Some of their favorite times were spent playing music with her family as she accompanied them in their various instruments. Mardeen also played

the xylophone. She very devoted to her parents as she cared for them as they aged, and Mardeen took joy in attending her grandchildren’s activities from basketball games to musicals. Nonie was an amazing cook known for her fantastic Italian dishes, but of course she never followed a recipe. She was known for continuing her mother’s tradition of making angel food cakes or every family members birthday, and her risotto and bagna cauda were among the family favorites.

In addition to her family, Mardeen poured herself into her Catholic faith as well as her church home, Assumption Catholic Church. She taught religion for CCD there, and she also served as a liturgist, lector, Eucharistic minister, minister of care, funeral organist, and as a member of the choir and the hand bell choir. In addition, Mardeen served as chairman of various committees. Not only did she serve in

her church, but she also volunteered at St. Joseph Medical Center for many years, was a charter member and director of Grundy Community Volunteer Hospice, served as a polling judge, sang in community choir, as well as in the diocesan chorale, and was active with the Grundy County Republicans.

Throughout her life Mardeen was a woman of many interests, and she enjoyed being a Creative Circle Representative. This allowed her to help spread her passion of crocheting, needlepoint and crafts in general. Mardeen and Barney were season ticket holders for the Chicago

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Symphony where she could satiate her passion for music. She was also an avid Chicago Cubs fan who kept scores for every game and loved visiting her sisters during spring training.

A blessing to all who were near, Mardeen “Nonie” Berta was an extraordinary woman to know and love. She was always busy, lived to serve others, and filled with unconditional love for her family. Mardeen’s devotion to others was truly unmatched. Her memory will be forever cherished.

Mardeen Berta died on Monday, December 15, 2014. Mardeen’s family includes her four children: Michael (Cindy) Berta and Charlie Berta, both of Coal City, Mary Jean (Dave) Tures of Little Rock, AR and Amy (Keith) Giordano of Morris; ten grandchildren: Jason (Colleen) Berta of Coal City, Todd (Cara) Berta of Saint Louis, MO, Teresa (John) Gallis of Durham, NC, Jenny (Ryan) Petersen of Kalispell, MT, Matthew (Callie) Tures of Conway, AR, Joshua, Megan, Anna, and Kristen Tures, all of Little Rock, AR and Alex Giordano of Morris; eight great grandchildren: Nicholas, Brant, Keaton, Thad, Addison, Grace, Margaret and Jeremiah; sister-in-law: Jessica Brandt of Gardner; brother-in-law: Gordon Palmberg of Thomasboro, IL; and numerous nieces and nephews, including Lynne Brooker, Karen Kessler, Jayne Becker, Dr. John Roberts, and Gail Quillman who was especially devoted to her godmother. Mardeen was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Barney; grandson, Thad; and two sisters, Evelyn Roberts and Angela Quillman. Visitation and video tribute will be held on Friday December 19, 2014, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway (one block north of Route 113) in Coal City. A Mass of Christian Burial with follow Saturday December 20th at 10:00 a.m. in Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church, 245

South Kankakee Street in Coal City. Reverend Scott McCauley will officiate. Burial will be in Braceville-Gardner Cemetery, where Mardeen will be laid to rest with her late husband Barney. Pallbearers will be: Jason Berta, Todd Berta, Matthew Tures, Alex Giordano, Nick Berta and Brant Berta. Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Mardeen’s memory to the Assumption Catholic Church Building Fund or Grundy Community Volunteer Hospice.

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com. Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City 815-634-2125.