Bernice Sophie Hageli nee Dudek lived a life focused on hard work, a passion for learning, and unwavering faith. She was born in Keystone Pa. in 1919 and shortly after moved to Chicago. During her early life she was given the gift of 4 adoring sisters, Annette, Gertrude, Helen and Virgina. During the great depression she helped her mother and father [Peter and Sophie Dudek ] in the families general store near Harlem and Irving on the northwest side. It was during this time while attending public school she met her future husband and childhood sweetheart Joseph Steven Hageli. In the fall of 1940 Bernice and Joseph were married at Saint Pascal’s. In February 1942 they welcomed their first child Joseph Peter to the family. Shortly after his birth and during the Second World War she rose up and headed to help her country and family by working for Douglas Aircraft. For the balance of the war she dedicated herself to learning how to manufacture aircrafts and component’s at O’Hare field. After the war she began her career as a manufacturing supervisor for White Cap (Silgan Closures). During this time she welcomed her second child Marilyn to the family. These were years full of family and faith highlighted by the marriage of her sisters Annette, Helen and Virgina and shortly after they were blessed with the addition of multiple nieces and nephews; Ron, Sophie, Jennie, Mary, Janet, Murphy, Donald and Mary to a loving family.
The family settled in the neighboring suburb of Mount Prospect and became active members of Saint Raymond De Penafort Parrish. As retirement approached she watched her son Joseph and her daughter Marilyn get married and start families of their own. Then the family was graced with the addition of grand children Joseph, Mark, Chris, Meredith, Alexander, and Rachel. During these joyous times she tragically lost her beloved husband Joseph to an industrial accident only weeks before retirement.
With relenting optimism and unwavering faith she dove head first into retirement and started traveling and had an even greater focus on family. On a trip to Hawaii she and a close friend hiked to the top of an active volcano and walked across its caldera. When visiting Europe with her daughter they walked the streets of London and marveled at the history and beauty of Westminster Abby, Buckingham Palace, and Big Ben. During this time she was witness to her grandchildren’s marriages and continued expansion of her family with the addition of great grandchildren TJ, Ian, Joseph, Cassidy, Michaela, Brody and River. Again she was heartbroken when her daughter passed away at 62. She enjoyed interacting with her great grand children whether that was having a conversation, watching a cooking show or instructing someone to tickle them for her. She always had a smile, piece of wisdom or some candy for them while visiting.
Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Sunday April 19th, 2015 from 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Friedrichs Funeral Home, 320 W. Central Rd. at Northwest Hwy, Mt. Prospect.
Lying in State Monday 9:00 AM until Mass 10:00 AM at St Raymond De Penafort Church, Elmhurst Rd. (Rt.83) at Lincoln St., Mt. Prospect. Interment All Saints Cemetery.
The family requests flowers be sent to the funeral home or donations be made to: The Paralyzed Veterans of America, Wilton New Hampshire.