- Date Of Birth: February 4, 1924
- Date Of Death: December 15, 2021
- State: Illinois
Frances Blanche (Poggi) Bertino, 97, of Peoria, passed away December 15, 2021 at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home.Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on December 18 at Sacred Heart Church, Granville. Burial was at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Granville. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home, Peru.Frances was born February 4, 1924 in Mark to Tommaso and Yolanda (Piana) Poggi.
During the Depression, her family emigrated to Italy, her parents’ birthplace, in search of work. For Frances, the time in Italy was magical and always remembered. Her family returned to Mark when her father received a draft notice from Mussolini.After high school, Frances studied at St. Mary’s Hospital in LaSalle, earning her RN. She married Romolo Bert Bertino on June 16, 1946 in LaSalle. Tuberculosis interrupted her nursing career. Once cured, she left nursing to become a full-time mother.When her children were young, Frances attended television classes at the University of Detroit and Wayne State University.
She eventually earned a B.A. in Spanish and French and pursued a M.A. in Counseling.She spent 25 years with the Michigan Employment Security Commission helping immigrants and natives find work. After retiring, Frances led the Downriver Parkinson’s Association with Romolo. Frances enjoyed languages. She was an avid reader and loved singing in the choir. Survivors include her three children, Tom (Pam) Bertino of Wyandotte, MI, Mary Bertino of Lawrenceville, NJ, and Ray (Cindy) Bertino of Peoria; six grandchildren, John, James, Peter, Andrew, Emily, and Ashley; four great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Lena (Leo) Goletz and Diane Schlenker. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband
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