Bernadine Tonsor
Jerseyville |
Bernadine L. Tonsor, 95, formerly of Jerseyville, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2025 in Charlotte, Michigan.
She was born on August 22, 1929, in Jerseyville, Illinois, the last surviving of five children born to the late Raymond L. and Rhoda Marie (Booth) Lammy.
On February 10, 1948, Bernadine married the love of her life, Bernard Francis Tonsor, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Jerseyville. Together, they built a life filled with love and cherished memories, raising two children and watching their family grow. Their journey took them from Jerseyville to Charlotte, Michigan, for Bernard’s work with Oldsmobile in Lansing. After his retirement in 1978, they enjoyed 20 wonderful years in Mission, Texas, before returning to Jerseyville in 1998. Following Bernard’s passing in 2016, Bernadine remained in Jerseyville until 2022, when she moved to Charlotte to be closer to her children and grandchildren.
A woman of deep faith, Bernadine’s kindness and warm smile left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She had a special gift for making friends feel like family and strangers feel like lifelong friends. She loved nothing more than spending time with her family, and her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren were the pride and joy of her life. She delighted in watching them grow and felt truly blessed to share so many special moments with them.
Bernadine’s love for flowers was evident in every home she lived in. Her gardens were a source of beauty and admiration, especially her favorite red geraniums. Whether in Michigan, Illinois, or Texas, her meticulous care for her plants made her gardens the envy of her neighbors. During her time in Texas, she found joy in working at a nursery, a job that perfectly suited her passion for nature’s beauty.
She was also a beloved aunt, known for her ability to make every gathering more enjoyable. Her presence brought warmth and laughter, and she had a deep love for children, finding joy in simply watching them play and be themselves.
Bernadine is survived by her two children and their spouses, Bernard Jr. and Rebecca Tonsor of Adrian, Michigan, and Patricia and Rod Goodrich of Charlotte, Michigan; seven grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and beloved husband, Bernard, she was preceded in death by her siblings, John Lammy, Fred Lammy, Mary Dolores Jilek and Janice Hagen.
Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 11:45 a.m., Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.
A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:00 p.m. at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Jerseyville.
She will be laid to rest alongside her husband at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Fieldon.
Memorials may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, honoring Bernadine’s love for children and her generous heart.
Bernadine’s kindness, faith, and love for her family and friends will forever be remembered. Her legacy of warmth and generosity will live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.
Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com.
Crawford Funeral Home
