I was at the wake for Leo Alumnus and WWII hero Lou Knox when my cell phone recorded my Mom's voice, sad, direct and careful -" Pat, Bern McPolin died. She is going to be waked at St. Cajetan's on Saturday. There'll be something in the Trib.'
Bern McPolin and my Mom were like sisters married to a pair of cut-ups. John McPolin and my Dad were closer than than two brothers and had worked together as stationary engineers from the end of WWII to their retirements. The pair of veterans and wise guys were like Jack Benny and Fred Allen: constantly trying to out-prank and out- argue-for argument's sake one another - " Jesus, you bitch you, I know you were the last one in the basement with last beer in the ice-box!" Bern and Ginny always had to 'correct' their boys and tell them that they were both wrong, again -all of the time.
Mrs. McPolin would always pat me on the shoulder at Mass and ask about her 'darlings' - my three kids who lost their mother far too early in life and had to be raised by the Chicago version of Homer Simpson.
Bern McPolin was a widely respected and honored nurse who led generations of young ladies in white to be caring ministers to the suffering of their patients and their families.
Christ welcome home a great woman!
Bernadine J. McPolin, nee Hogan; Age 93; Devoted wife of the late John J. Loving mom of Beth (Tom) Moran, Terry Ret. C.F.D. (Cheryl), Kevin (Nina), Joanne (Kevin) Urbanik, and Denise (Dan) Crnjak; Proud grandma of 11 and great-grandma of 14. Beloved sister of the late LaVerne, late Eileen, and the late Janet; Dear sister-in-law of the late Rev. Patrick "Packy" McPolin (C.M.F.), late Lorraine and Dick Moravek, and the late Bob and Marie Shields; fond aunt to many nieces and nephews; retired R.N. Little Company of Mary Class of 1943; wonderful friend to many long-time St. Cajetan's parishioners; Bernie's keen sense of humor, and caring for others endeared her to all who knew her - family, friends, and the 112th St. neighbors; longtime member of the Sharpies and Kiwanis; Visitation Saturday 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass 12:00 noon at St. Cajetan Church, 112th & Artesian, Chicago. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Curley Funeral Home; for funeral info 708-422-2700, or www.curleyfuneralhome.com -
