Jean M. Bernas

Jean M. Bernas, 97, of Eldridge, Iowa, formerly of Michigan, passed away January 31, 2023.

Cremation will take place at Trimble Crematory, Moline, Illinois, under the direction of Cremation Society of the Quad Cities. Memorials may be made to Samaritan’s Purse at samaritanspurse.org.

Jean is survived by, two children, Jim (Rebecca) Bernas of Eldridge, one daughter, one granddaughter, two grandsons and their families, her sister Kay (Alden) Gable along with many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Earl and Leona, husband Matthew of 54 years and brothers Jack (Betty) and Robert (Sue).

Jean graduated in 1947 as an RN through the Cadet Nurse Corps at Grace Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. Jean then moved to Miami, Florida and worked as an RN where she met and fell in love with her husband-to-be Matthew. They returned from Florida and were married in the home where she grew up. She and Matthew then bought their own home and lived their entire life there.

Jean worked as a private nurse, a labor and delivery nurse, an Obstetrician’s office RN and finally as a Nursing Home Head Nurse until her retirement.

Jean eventually moved to California for 15 years where she lived next to her daughter’s family and was an active member of the Lake Elsinore Senior Activity Center and made many friends while regularly attending Lakeside Baptist Church in Lake Elsinore under the leadership of Pastor Ben Markeley and wife Becky who can’t be thanked enough. Jean was also an active member of the Altha Merrifield Memorial Library Book Club and weekly Bible Study. And many thanks to Jennifer and Richard for all their support and friendship.

Jean then moved to Iowa where she lived with her son and daughter-in-law thoroughly enjoying her last six months with Jim and Rebecca and was very appreciative of Rebecca’s care. They also cherished this time with her. Jean and Rebecca ended each night saying to each other “You’re my favorite daughter-in-law” and “You’re my favorite mother-in-law.”

Condolences may be shared at CremationQC.com.