Dina Bernardini
April 9, 1927 - January 30, 2018
Now at one with God and reunited with her beloved husband. Dina Bernardini passed away peacefully at home on January 30, 2018. She was born on April 9, 1927, the only child of the late Ugolina and Gesualdo Del Chiaro, who had immigrated to San Francisco from Tuscany. Like many Italian-Americans of her generation, she was raised in San Francisco’s North Beach district. She graduated from Galileo High School in 1945 after which she worked for several years at the American Express Company. In 1948 she married the love of her life, Elio (Al) Bernardini. She and Al enjoyed more than 68 years of marriage until Al’s passing in 2016. Dina was the mother of Donna Dillon (Tom), Denise Rundle (Chuck) and Diana Andreatta (Bob). She was the grandmother of Andrea Soto, Patrick Dillon, Sean Dillon, Christoforo Bernardini, Stephanie Demetris (Brett), Mari Andreatta and Gina Andreatta; and the great grandmother of Rhea Demetris. Dina was the consummate role model for her three daughters and four granddaughters. To her three grandsons she was the family matriarch, and was a doting second mother to her sons-in-law. From the time of her marriage Dina devoted her life to being a wife, mother and nurturer to her husband and family. She was genuinely loyal to her many friends and had a great generosity of spirit. Those who came to her home were always treated as family. A stylish dresser, Dina was well known for her elegant taste in jewelry. In the 1980’s and 1990’s she maintained a small business around that passion for fine jewelry. She also volunteered her time for the philanthropy, Primrose House, in Burlingame. For more than 40 years Dina and Al traveled the world. She particularly loved cruise ships. But her greatest recreational pleasure was going to casinos where she would spend hours playing slot machines and Black Jack. Dina leaves behind countless friends in San Francisco, Merced and Burlingame, as well as extended family in Italy. During the last few years she and Al lived in San Mateo where she formed new friendships. She will be missed by so many.
The family wishes to thank Arlene Torres, Miles Bautista and Victoria De La Cruz in particular for the love and care that they provided to Dina in her final months. The family also wishes to thank Mission Hospice for their help and support.
A memorial service has been scheduled for Monday, February 12, 2018 at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, 1 Notre Dame Avenue, San Mateo, where Mass will commence at 10:30am. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to your favorite charity.