Bernadine M. Shepley's Obituary
Bernadine Marie Shepley passed away November 10, 2025 in Tucson, Arizona. She was 94.
Born in 1930 in Chicago to Bernard and Rose Cieslak, Bernie grew up in Jefferson Park and attended St. Bartholomew grade school and Immaculata High School. She married her beloved husband Duane A.F. Shepley in 1949 and they shared an active life until his passing in 2017. They resided for many years in Palatine, Illinois where they raised their five children. Bernie spent most of her working years at Nuclear Data, Inc. in Schaumburg, Illinois but she also found time to be a devoted mother, Cub Scout den mother, school bus driver, and master birthday cake maker. In the 1970s Bernie and Duane dedicated long hours of volunteer work with the Guardsmen Drum and Bugle Corps. Later, after moving to Elgin, Illinois, they wintered in Tucson, Arizona where she enjoyed hiking, line dancing, and other activities with friends at Western Way community. Bernie’s life was built on love, kindness, and compassion and she will truly be missed by those blessed to know her.
Bernadine is survived by her children Duane (Marla) Shepley, Mark (Kathleen) Shepley, Kim (Chuck) Wegrzyn, and Todd Shepley; her grandchildren Benjamin (Jessica) Shepley, Tara Goy, Allison (Donnie) O’Neill, Christopher (Elizabeth France) Wegrzyn, Katherine (Benjamin) Blunt, John Shepley, Jeremy (Elizabeth) Wegrzyn, Elise Shepley, Mark (Ellen) Shepley, 16 great grandchildren and a sister Anielia Eaden.
Along with her parents and husband, Bernadine was also preceded in death by her daughter Robin Bartels, son-in-law Doug Bartels, and granddaughter Michelle Shepley.
A memorial service to honor and celebrate her life will be announced at a future date.
What’s your fondest memory of Bernadine?
What’s a lesson you learned from Bernadine?
Share a story where Bernadine's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Bernadine you’ll never forget.
How did Bernadine make you smile?