​It is with heartbreak, yet great joy that we announce our precious mother, Bernadette Grace VanBuskirk went to be with Jesus at the age of 80. She peacefully left this earth surrounded by her loving family. A loving, kind, generous and brilliant woman, Bernadette’s passion was her family, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her mission in life was nursing, serving as an R.N. for 41 years. In both she gave great love, dedication and her all. Her big heart and her bigger-than-life smile will be sorely missed.
Bernadette Grace Media was born July 23, 1943 in Utica, Michigan, the daughter of the late James Richard & Catherine Elizabeth (Compliment) Media. She married James Stewart VanBuskirk in Utica August 25, 1962.
Bernadette is preceded in death by her husband James S. VanBuskirk, Sr. and granddaughter, Megan Marie VanBuskirk.
Her surviving family includes Daughter Julie Catherine VanBuskirk Tussey (husband Gary), Son James Stewart VanBuskirk Jr. (wife Lisa) and Son Tony Thomas VanBuskirk (wife Lianna). Granddaughter Stefanie Renae Jenkins Wells (husband Davis), Grandson Delmas Shae Jenkins (wife Whitney), Granddaughter Jillian Taylor Tussey and Grandson Jordan Chase Tussey, Granddaughter Jenna Leigh VanBuskirk Arens (husband Phillip), Grandson Levi James VanBuskirk, Grandson Tony John VanBuskirk (wife Laura) and Granddaughter Sarah LaChelle VanBuskirk O’Brien.
She also has ten beautiful great-granddaughters.
Her siblings Rita Alice Dotter, Ruth Frances Valentine & Judith Ann Staelgraeve.
Funeral services will be held 1 pm Friday September 15, 2023 at the O’Laughlin Funeral Home, Inc., with Rev Gary Tussey officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday starting at 12 noon until the time of services. Burial will take place in the Wise Township Cemetery, Loomis.