Mary L. Berardi

Mary Lucy Berardi of West Chester 1926-2017

Mary Lucy (Mingione) Berardi, 91, of West Chester passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 9, 2017, surrounded by her family.

Mary was the beloved wife of the late Louis “Gig” Berardi, with whom she shared 52 years of marriage at the time of his passing in 2000.

Born in Downingtown, Mary was the daughter of the late Doruccio and Lucia Mingione. She was a 1944 graduate of Downingtown High School.

For many years, Mary handled the bookkeeping for the family business, Berardi’s Bakery. She also worked for the Raychem Corporation, was a food service worker for the West Chester Area School District, and a babysitter for The West Chester Area YMCA, where she worked until the age of 83. Mary often remarked that caring for children kept her young. The children always put a smile on her face.

Making Italian dishes and cooking for her family and friends brought Mary great happiness.   She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who was generous, caring, and loved to laugh.  She enjoyed vacationing with her family at her home in Ocean City, New Jersey.  She was a member of St. Agnes Church in West Chester for nearly 70 years.

In July of 2016, Mary was able to celebrate her 90th birthday in her home of nearly 60 years, surrounded by her entire family, her relatives from near and far, and many life-long friends, sharing many stories of the past, and remembering the “good ‘ole days.”  

Mary lived well, laughed often, and loved much.  She will also be remembered for her perseverance, determination, and unbreakable spirit through all the trials of life.

Mary is survived by two daughters, Mary Lou McCool (Kevin) and Kathie Orendorff, of West Chester, son-in law, Scott Chaffin of Egg Harbor Township, NJ and her six grandchildren:  Michael Orendorff, Steven Orendorff, Mark McCool (Cheryl), Katie Holloway (Mike), Veronica Chaffin and Scott E Chaffin and one great-granddaughter, Lucy Holloway, who were the lights of her life.

She is also survived by a sister, Anne DiLuigi (Edward) of Downingtown, PA and two brothers, John Mingione (Maryse) of Winter Park FL, Joseph Mingione (Susan) of Santa Cruz, CA, and many dear nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mary was predeceased by two daughters, infant Mary Ann Berardi, Elaine Berardi Chaffin, her brother, Calvin Mingione and son-in-law, Edward Orendorff.

Mary’s family would like to thank the Neighborhood Hospice staff and the staff of Barclay Friends for their wonderful care and support.

Funeral Mass and interment will be private. The family asks you to put a smile on the face of a child in Mary’s memory.

In Lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Mary’s memory to Neighborhood Health Hospice, 795 E Marshall St Suite 204 West Chester, PA  19380.

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. 610-696-1181, www.DellaFH.com

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