Bernadette Jankovich, 73, of Columbia City, passed away at her home on Sunday, August 25, 2024.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, on August 5, 1951, she was a daughter of the late Lawrence James and Phyllis M. (Heisterberg) Heisler.  Growing up in Chicago, she graduated from Washington High School in 1969.

In addition to being a homemaker raising two daughters, she had worked for Dana/PPG for over ten years.

From 1987 until 1996, she lived in Argos, moving to her current home in rural South Whitley in 1996.

She enjoyed all things that nature provided and was a collector of crystal rocks. She loved her grandchildren and held a special place in her heart for cats through the years, Little Bits, Buttercup, Mickey & Max.

Surviving are her daughters, Roxane (James) Windbigler and Renae (Joseph) Hoffman both of South Whitley; grandchildren, Bree Smith, Haley Buckles, Lillian Hoffman and Zakkary Hoffman; siblings, Phillip Heisler, Mary Jane Heisler, Ann (John) Schneiders and Juliann (Jim) Schoon.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by a brother, Lawrence James Heisler, Jr. and a sister Carolyn Zamojski.

Bernadette's desire was to have no services.  Arrangements are in the care of Smith and Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley.