Bernice Page

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Bernice F. Page, nee Rolek, 102, of Belleville, passed away at 2:55 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019, at Freeburg Care Center.

Bernice was born Sept. 8, 1917, in East St. Louis, IL, the daughter of George and Frances Rolek, who immigrated to the United States from Poland. On May 13, 1947, at St. Adalbert Church in East St. Louis, she married Joseph C. Page, who preceded her in death in December 1994.

Growing up, Bernice worked in her parents’ grocery store, Rolek’s Grocery, at 1750 St. Clair Ave. in East St. Louis. The store operated into the late 1960s, but the building has since been demolished. She went on to raise six children with her husband, though other children in need were always welcome in her home. Everyone who came to her house got fed. Dozens of people she influenced came to thank her at her 100th birthday party in 2017. Not only did Bernice care for her children and others, but she helped her husband at his electric shop, Page Electric, in addition to doing alterations at home. She also cared for her sister until her death at age 51 and her father. She fed them all along with other relatives every night. Her table usually had about 12 people sitting around it.

In 1969, her husband and sons completed construction of their Belleville family home, where she would live until December 2018. At the time of her death, she had 16 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. She was the grandmother everyone wished they had. Her family continues Polish traditions they learned from her, such as making pierogi at Christmas.

Bernice is survived by her daughters Marilyn Blaha of Smithton and Marcia Wever of St. Louis; and sons Greg Page of Freeburg, Mark Page of Belleville, Larry Page of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Ray Page of Millstadt.

Memorials may be made to Freeburg Care Center, 746 Urbanna Dr., Freeburg, or Hospice of Southern Illinois, 305 S. Illinois St., Belleville. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation: Friends may visit from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, October 26, 2019, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Smithton, IL.

Funeral:  A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 26, 2019, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Smithton, IL, with Rev. Andrew Knopik officiating.

Burial will follow at St. Adalbert Cemetery off Old Lincoln Trail in Fairview Heights, IL.

Condolences:

11 Comments on Bernice Page

Sherri Keck Jaff said : Guest Report Nov 06, 2019 at 2:06 AM

What a life well lived. She was a wonderful neighbor. My condolences to all of the family. Thank you for your friendship over the years.

  • Escondido
  • California
Connie S. Stiehl said : Guest Report Oct 26, 2019 at 3:20 PM

I know Grandma Bernice will be sadly missed. She was a wonderful lady. I remember when we had the party for the twins at her home after their baptism. She was very gracious and loving.

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Betty Dieckmann said : Guest Report Oct 25, 2019 at 5:06 PM

Sympathy and condolences to the family of Bernice Page.

  • Swansea
  • IL
Eva and Larry Kinzel said : Guest Report Oct 25, 2019 at 4:26 PM

Bernice was such a wonderful neighbor and friend. She was always so happy when my mom (Anna) and I dropped by to see her to bring her some German Christmas cookies. My Mom passed away in April and now she and Bernice may continue their conversations together in heaven. They both had lives well-lived, but it is still hard to say goodbye especially when it's "mom". Greg, Larry, Mark, Marilyn, Raymond and Marsha -- keep your memories of her in your heart and she will continue to live forever. Thinking of all of you and keeping you in our prayers. Eva and Larry Kinzel

  • New Athens
  • Illinois
Sam Kelner said : Guest Report Oct 25, 2019 at 3:21 PM

I am so sorry for your loss. If you are like me the hurt will subside but remember you will always be able to talk to your beautiful MOM ....like I do, Love Always, Sammy

  • St. Louis
  • Mo. 63109
Mike and Carol Mirkay said : Guest Report Oct 25, 2019 at 2:45 PM

Our sincere condolences to the entire Page family. Bernice was such a sweet loving lady and will be missed by everyone who knew her.

  • St Louis
  • Mo
Marilyn Vornbaum said : Guest Report Oct 25, 2019 at 1:42 PM

Dear Greg and Family, You are very fortunate to have such a wonderful Mother and for so long. May she enjoy eternal happiness and God grant you comfort and peace. Marilyn Vornbaum

  • Swansea
  • IL
John said : Guest Report Oct 25, 2019 at 1:32 PM

Our condolences to the Page family on the passing of Bernice. She was "Mom" to many, and remains an inspiring example of how one nurtures and cares for family. Thanks for sharing the gift of your Mom and family with us. Love from the Wever family

  • Sarnia
  • Ontario
Lou &Ruth Billhartz said : Guest Report Oct 25, 2019 at 1:33 AM

To the Page. Family. Sincere. Condolences to the entire family. Lou &Ruth. Billhartz

  • Belleville
  • Ills
Paula Hilmes said : Guest Report Oct 24, 2019 at 10:43 PM

Tori, Brittney, Alli I am so sorry for your loss Love you always Paula

  • Freeburg
  • Illinois
Robert and Maureen Adams said : Guest Report Oct 24, 2019 at 8:43 PM

What a wonderful lady so optimistic. So loving. She will truly be missed.

  • Belleville
  • Illinois

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