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Bernadette Eva Wooten
Bernadette Eva Wooten
October 12, 1920 - February 02, 2011
Rock Island, Illinois

Visitation: 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday February 05, 2011 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 24th St. & 31st Ave., Rock Island, Ill.
Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m. Saturday February 05, 2011 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 24th St. & 31st Ave., Rock Island, Ill.
Bernadette Eva Wooten, 90, of Rock Island, died Wednesday morning, Feb. 2, 2011 at Silver Cross Nursing Center after a decade-long bout with severe osteoporosis.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Rock Island. Visitation will precede the mass from 10 am until service time at the church. A reception at the Hauberg Civic Center, Rock Island will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Genesius Theatre Foundation or to WVIK-FM . Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, Rock Island is assisting the family.

Bernadette Eva Polka was born in Tama, Iowa, on Columbus Day, 1920, to Charles S. and Hildred A. Brecht Polka. The family moved to Aurora, Illinois, where she attended Madonna High School. After relocating in Rock Island, Bernadette worked for the Bell Telephone Company, serving as steward for the operators union, and was later promoted to the business office. She remained active in union workshops run by Fathers Ed and Bill O’Connor.

After her marriage to Don Wooten, she retired from work to raise her five children, but kept active in community affairs. She played a key part in Rock Island’s Model Cities Program following the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. She assumed a leadership role in Rock Island County’s first organization serving the elderly, Coordinated Services for the Aging, and served as an early board member for the Community Caring Conference and Quad City Botanical Center.

After her children were grown, she worked as an aging specialist with Information and Referral Services until that organization’s dissolution. She ended her employment as she began, as a telephone receptionist for WVIK-FM.

Her greatest delight was in her family and wide circle of friends.

She is survived by her husband, Don; her sons, David, Rock Island and Stephen, Daytona Beach, Fla.; daughters (and spouses), Chris (Vladimir Shakov), Seattle, Wash., Teri (Cable Starlings), Anchorage, Alaska, and Caecilia (Rob) Straka, Aurora, Colo., and their children, Luke, Carl, and Haili; and “adopted” sons, Mark (Barb) Bouljon, St. Paul, Minn., and John (Candace) Holtz, Los Angeles, Calif. She was preceded in death by her parents.



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No matter how hectic a home with Don (and all his friends and associates) and 5 kids might have been, Bernadette always made it feel calm and welcoming. And she seemed to know even the most casual visitor by name. My prayers are offered for a wonderful woman.
-- Phil Schwartz

Don--sorry to hear of your loss. I am one of the Alleman students from the Class of 1965. I remember you very well and all you did to help us. I wish you as speedy a transition as possible through this difficult time.
-- Rebecca (Coussens) Fitzgerald

I am so sorry for your loss. Bernadette was one of the kindest, most gracious women I have had the pleasure of knowing. She will be sorely missed.
-- Vicki Wilcox

Don, Accept my deepest sympathy on the death of your wife. Cherish the memoiores, respect the nourning process. Sr. Catherine CLeary, osb
-- Sr. Catherine Cleary

Bernadette was such a warm and gracious woman. I remember always feeling like I could be a wonderfully successful human being if I could just be like her. I will always remember her fabulous spirit, always quite visible just by mere observation.
-- Judy White

If "gracious" had an illustration in the dictionary, it would be Bernadette's picture. She was always so warm and welcoming. I send love and prayers to all the family.

Deb VanSpeybroeck
-- Deb VanSpeybroeck

I am a co-worker with Dave at the S.O.S. for the past 22 years. Even though I never met either of his parents, I know from talking to Dave that he was very proud of both of them.While she will no doubt be sorely missed, she will live on through Dave and all of those who had the pleasure to know her. God Bless.
-- Steve Colaizzi

We have so many fond memories...costuming at Genesius Guild, New Year's Eve Black Forest Torte, her winning smile and twinkling blue eyes and so many, many more. Heaven shines brighter with her presence. Henry and I send our deepest condolences and love to the entire family.
-- Chris Hicks

I send my condolences to Dave, my co-worker and fellow union member. I have alway had the greatest respect for Dave. Also, I send my condelences to the rest of the family and to the friends of his mother.

Kim Efird
-- Kim Efird

Don: We are saddened to learn that Bernedette has passed away. We keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Mona Martin (Former member, WVIK Foundation Board) Robert Martin, (St. Ambrose College in the early 50's).
-- Mona & Robert Martin

I am sorry to hear that Mrs. Wooten passed away. She was such a giving, generous and gorgeous soul. She lived her faith.

My deepest condolences to Mr. Wooten and the kids, especially Chris, who was always so kind to me.

Aksel Epik
-- Aksel Epik (Izmir,Turkey)

My thoughts and prayers are with Don, Dave, and the rest of the Wooten family and friends during this difficult time.
-- Tim Mottaz

I WENT TO SCHOOL W/TERI & WE BECAME GOOD FRIENDS.MRS.WOOTEN WAS ALWAYS SO ELEGANT & IN GOOD SPIRITS. MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE WHOLE FAMILY IN THIS VERY DIFFICULT TIME.
-- BRIDGET HARTMAN BAILEY

Dave,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Rheta Miller
-- Rheta Miller

Dear Wooten Family-Mrs. Wooten was always the nicest lady. I was always made to feel welcomed to your home. Teri...I have never forgotten our trip to the Putnam and lunch at Bishop's in downtown Davenport all those long years ago. It was a great time-just us three. I am very sorry for your loss.
-- Marcy Tamosaitis Schnell

Mrs. Wooten will be remembered always for her quiet strength and gentle spirit. Maggie and I send our deepest sympathies to the wonderful family that Bernadette raised and nurtured.
-- Michael King

Dear Uncle Don and all the Wooten cousins: We were so terribly saddened to hear of Aunt Bernie's passing. She was such a lovely, gentle woman, and we hope memories of her warmth and kindness will comfort you in the days ahead. Much love.
-- John & Donna Migliaccio

Don, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
-- Susan Wahlmann, Quad City Arts

What a lovely woman. Don, my love and thoughts are with you. I'm sorry for the pain of it and the missing that is to come. A warm hug to you and prayers for the whole Wooten family. XOXO
-- Barb Ickes

Dear Don, Dave, and family - Your mother was - and is - a kind, warm, gentle and generous spirit. I admire her very much and continue to try to reflect her love and humility as I interact with the people I meet. I am very sorry for your loss, and wish you much love and comfort. Lori Anderson (DeMello)
-- Lori Anderson (-DeMello)

I will miss Aunt Bernadette - her gentleness and kindness. My love and condolences to Uncle Don and my cousins. You are a living tribute to her memory.
-- Margaret Lillard

Our thoughts are with you. We were honored and privileged to know your lovely lady while she worked with Information and Referral. She was great at twisting our arm to get more service for her clients and it was really hard to tell her no. She left her footprints across the hearts of so many.

The Bailey's
-- Mr and Mrs Charlie Bailey and Family

Bernadette was inspiration to me in her work with the community. I first met her as a reporter when she was managing the Information and Referral service. She was amazing. May Don have my sympathies in this loss of his lifetime partner. And may God celebrate her entry into the kingdom where all her pain will be gone and she walks freely.
-- Karen Beshears

Our deepest sympathy to the Wooten Family. May your warm and precious memories help to ease your lose and hold them near to your hearts. God Bless and may she rest in peace.
-- Sandy Schachow

As a member of the Humanities class you taught at Alleman, I remember the nights our group spent at your home. Bernie was always a such a gracious presence then. Dick and I extend our condolences to you and your family.
-- Linda (Adams) Dokas

I didn't know Bernadette very long but was glad that are paths crossed I saw the love between her and her family and know this is a difficult time but know she had a strong family bonded by love and will be there for each other. My prayers are with you at this time of loss Gayle The week-end nurse at Silver Cross
-- Gayle Overton

Got the news today (2/5). Hope all the family has been able to gather to celebrate the gem that was Bernadette and her full, rich life. Darn those midwest winters. Wish I could be with you tomorrow, but will be there in spirit. My love to you, Don, and to you too my friends: Chris, David, Teri, Steve and Caecilia (and, yeah, also to you two guys, Mark and John). What wonderful times we've shared and how bleessed we are to have been touched by Bernadette's special warmth and goodness.
-- David Ketter

Dear Don and Dave and all the family: I am deeply sorry for your loss. Bernadette was a magnificent, gracious woman. I cherish memories of her from my early days with the Genesius Guild and all of the many New Years' Eve celebrations in your home. May love and blessings and wonderful memories comfort you in the days and months ahead.
-- Dee Canfield

Don, your tribute to Bernadette gave us an idea of what a wonderful woman she was and of her importance to not only the Wooten Family but to the community. You've my deepest sympathy and she will be in my thoughts and prayers.
-- Mark Lioen

My sympathy to Don and the children, all that I knew at Alleman. I will be praying for Bernadette and to her for all of you. God bless you all. Sister J. T. (Judith Terese McNulty, BVM)
-- Sister J.T. (Judith Terese McNulty,BVM)

It is with deepest sadness to lose a wonderful friend and family member as Bernadette. She was gentle, serene, caring and devoted to her family. Supporting them in all their ventures. There is a new angel in heaven.
-- Margie Wooten Lillard

I send my deepest condolences and love to the entire family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Bradley Rank
-- Brad Rank

I will always remember Aunt Bernie as such a kind and gentle person. My thoughts are with all the Wootens.
-- John Lillard

Don, I never had the privilege of meeting Bernadette, but I heard only good things about her. Gabby Rafferty tells me the two of you had the most loving marriage she ever saw. I can't imagine the sorrow of losing a life partner and soul mate. Your column about the way you met was lovely. My heart sends prayers and blessings for you and your family. Your family has been a blessing to the Quad-Cities. Sincerely, Steve Drucker
-- Steve Drucker

Dear Don & Family:

Please accept our sincere sympathy on the passing of your beloved Bernadette. What a wonderful tribute you shared in the newspaper. Both you and Bernadette have been true benefactors of our community and we thank you. May you find strength and comfort to face the difficult days ahead. God's blessings.
-- Al McCaulley & Linnea Thompson

My deepest sympathy to you Don and to all of your family and friends. After reading about Bernadett Eva I have a twinge of jealousy that I have never me her. My prayers for all of you as you adjust to the loss of a beautiful woman. May God give you all peace as you grieve your loss.
-- Annamarie Kane BVM

Dear Don and family, Bernadette was a beautiful and gracious lady. I met her when she sat at the desk as one entered WVIK as I came to do my APRIS reading. When she smiled, her entire face lit up! I remember the serious surgery she had on her back in Iowa City and the extreme pain she went through. You brought her condition up "to date" for me when WVIK had its Open House this fall. She is not hurting any more and she can now see the Glory of God. Our sympathy to you all and "May she rest in peace." May God Bless all of you. Bill and Mary Ellen Hynd
-- Bill & Mary Ellen Hynd

Grace and beauty were in her sanctuary. We will miss her bright smile and her warmth. She was a very fine woman and we are all diminished with her passing.
-- Rabbi Charles & Michelle Rubovits

Aunt Bernie was the epitome of kindness and gentleness. I always felt so rested and loved in her company. She will be deeply missed. Our sympathy and love to Uncle Don and our cousins.
-- The Kennedy Family

I extend deepest sympathies to the Wooten family on your loss. Bernadette was a beautiful person - inside and out. Her numerous community contributions positively impacted people throughout the area. May God's blessings be with you during this difficult time and in the future.
-- Dr. Mary Lou Kotecki

I worked with Bernie in my first job out of college at Information and Referral. I remember her as a kind and caring lady always ready to help others.
-- Debbie Shelangouski Winston

Dear Cece and family,

I was sorry to read that your lovely mother (wife) had passed away. She was a kind and graceful lady. The picture in the paper of her was beautiful and did her justice. I have fond memories of the fun I had growing up with you and in doing so, getting to know your family.

I am specifically praying that our Lord Jesus Christ will ease the pain of the grief you bear in losing someone so close to you.

God bless you and grant you peace,

Mary
-- Mary (Kettering) Possin