Maria K. (Robak) Bernat

Maria K. Bernat, age 65, of Geneva, passed away Sunday, April 16, 2023 at home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born August 13, 1957, in Poland, the daughter of Kazimierz and Stanislawa (Koziol) Robak.

Maria grew up in Poland and was the eldest of five children. She pursued nursing as a career before coming to the United States to care for her aunt. After deciding to stay, Maria got married and had two daughters. She lived her life devoted to God, her kids, her grandkids, and the endless amounts of friends she made along the way.

Gardening and hosting others brought Maria the most joy. Every spring she would plant all manner of flowers and vegetables. And when her kids were older, she made sure they did the same. Maria was also known throughout the community for gatherings at her home, especially during Thanksgiving and Easter Saturday. Her ability to turn a small house into a welcoming place for any number of guests was nothing short of magical.

She was diagnosed with cancer four and a half years ago and made the decision to stop working. She took advantage of the time she had by spending it with friends and family. Maria traveled all over, from Michigan to Arizona, from Mexico to Canada and even back home to Poland.

Maria fought her cancer and lived her remaining days to the fullest. We will miss her dearly, but we know that she is finally at rest in eternal peace and will continue to watch over us from heaven.

She is survived by her daughters Sylvia (Joseph) Alesia of Roselle and Melissa Bernat of Chicago; grandchildren Liam and Talia; siblings Marek (Grazyna) Robak, Joanna Robak, and Wieslaw (Urszula) Robak, sister-in-law Janina Robak; and many other dear relatives and friends.  

Maria was preceded in death by her parents and brother Antoni Robak.

Visitation will be held Friday, April 28, 2023 from 9:00 am until the time of the funeral prayers at 10:15 am at Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State Street (Route 38), Geneva proceeding to St. Peter Catholic Church, 1891 Kaneville Road, Geneva for Celebration of Memorial Mass at 11:00 am with Father John McFadden celebrant.  To livestream the mass, click on link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bECZvWIi700

Burial will follow at St. Isidore Catholic Cemetery in Bloomingdale.

Flowers sent to the funeral home are welcome. Memorials to Living Well Cancer Center, 442 Williamsburg Avenue, Geneva, Illinois 60134 would also be appreciated.

For information 630-232-8233 or visit malonefh.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.