Bernadette Colantonio

Bernadette "Bernie" Colantonio, 91, of Iron Mountain, passed away peacefully with her Loving family by her side on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at Maryhill Manor in Niagara, where she has been residing the past 6 months. Born in Escanaba on January 11, 1922, Bernie was the daughter of the late Richard and Clorvena (Badger) St. Martin. Bernie married John "Jap" Colantonio in 1979, and he preceded her in death in August 2002. Bernie worked at various area restaurant's including the Dickinson Hotel, the Knife and Fork, and Pine Mountain. She was also employed by Norway Gravure. After retiring in 1979, Bernie and John resided in New Port Richey, Florida every year for the winter months. While in Florida, they enjoyed walking, golfing, dancing, and gathering with their Floridian friends. Bernadette was an avid golfer, and was a member of Pine Grove Country Club in Iron Mountain and Oak Crest Country Club in Norway. While a member, she won first place awards in Derby Days in 1985 and 1988. She enjoyed playing music at numerous nursing homes through the years with the band "Alvito" which consisted of her sister, Albertine and her friend and music partner, Vito Basile of Norway. She loved her bus trips to the casinos with her daughter Judi, her many visits to the Senior Center, and visiting with friends at McDonald's. She was a longtime member of St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church. She will be sadly missed by her four daughters, Judi (Dave) Lindblom of Kingsford, Linda (Jim) Manko of Colgate, WI, Sandra (Ted) Tavonatti of Green Bay, WI and Chris (Gregg) Chaloupka of Manitowoc, WI; one son, Rick (Linda) Stanchina of Iron Mountain; four sisters, Madeline Calhoun of Rice Lake, Pearl Gerue of Escanaba, Betty Thome of Green Bay and Henrietta Charbonneau of Brooksville, Florida. Love for her family always came first, and her knowledge and zest for life will carry on in the hearts of her grandchildren, Stephanie (Dan) Riopele, Jean (John) Arvan, Doug (Becky) Sundelius, Brenda Thurston, Dean (Teresa) Lindblom, Jeff (Sheila) Lindblom, Brad Manko, Tammy (Corey) Martell, Danny (Erin) Reath, Scott (Nicole) Stanchina, and Brian Stanchina; fifteen great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Carol Stockman of Escanaba; a grandson Randy Sundelius; three sisters, Albertine, Viola and Phyllis; and three brothers, Harold, Earl and Gerald. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the caring staff at Maryhill Manor Nursing Home. Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, March 23, 2013 from 11:00am to 1:00pm at the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. The funeral service will follow at 1:00pm at the funeral home. Fr. Matt Settle will officiate. Burial will take place in the Spring at Iron Mountain Cemetery Park. In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established in her memory. Condolences to the family of Bernie Colantonio may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.

Bernadette Colantonio

March 13, 1922 - March 13, 2013