Bernadette Giuffre

Bernadette Ann Giuffre

1939 - 2024

Our family's matriarch, Bernadette Giuffre, passed peacefully on May 5th, 2024. She was 84 years old. Born November 17th,1939, in Traverse City, Bernie grew up as one of six sisters who were collectively known as “the Jakubeck girls” on Randolph Street. As a devout catholic, Bernie was a faithful lifelong member of the Immaculate Conception church. As a child, she loved going to the beach, fishing, playing baseball, visiting her grandparents' farm in Lake Ann, and spending precious time with her sisters. At nineteen, she married Michael Giuffre, who would stay by her side for sixty-five beautiful years.

Throughout her life, Bernie consistently spread unconditional love, generosity, and kindness to those around her. She was fiercely empathetic and accepting of people from all walks of life, no matter what, and no questions asked. She was easily recognizable in the community by her beaming smile, contagious laugh, giant silver hoop earrings, or the brigade of kids and grandkids with whom she’d tackle the town.

Bernadette loved being a mother to her four children and would spend her days with them at the family lake house, playing in the Boardman River, or prepping her famous spaghetti sauce. Her nurturing ways only strengthened as she proudly took on the role of grandmother to her eight grandchildren. Summers were spent with them on the beach, in her garden, playing basketball or cards, biking, visiting local parks, and going to yard sales. Bernie loved taking care of her family and was energized by comforting others.

Bernie is survived by her loving husband, Michael Giuffre; her children, Michael (Emily) Giuffre, Shelly Beach, Patricia (Michael) Steadman, and Mark (Nina) Giuffre; her sisters, Eleanor Craft and Kimberly Irish; her grandchildren, J (Laryn) Steadman, Kate (Matt) Giuffre, Melissa (Nick) King, Edsel (Jessica) Beach, David Beach, Brennen (Christen) Giuffre, Gina (Abin) Beach, and Hannah (Jeremy) Giuffre; and great-grandchildren Abigail, Madeline, Ruby, and Julian. She was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Galetta Jakubeck; and sisters Barbara Bridges, Virginia Bramer, and Josephine Powell. She also leaves behind a large group of loving friends and extended family.

Bernie’s family would like to especially thank the entire staff at Boardman Lake Glens assisted care facility for the loving care and attention they dedicated to her during her stay there.

In honor of our beautiful wife, sister, mother, and grandmother Bernie, we ask you to make someone smile today, help those around you, play a game of cards, and remember that kindness is free.

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