Donna Bernacchi   Mrs. Donna Jean Bernacchi, 82, of LaPorte, died at 6:15 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4, 2009, at her residence.

   She was born July 19, 1927, in Goodland, IN, to Bloice and Cora (Perkins) Hanna.

   Mrs. Bernacchi was a homemaker. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, and also of Beechwood Ladies Golf Club, K of C Ladies Auxiliary, Elks Club Ladies Auxiliary. She was a St. Joseph Funeral Committee volunteer. She enjoyed fishing and was a nature lover.

   On Oct. 26, 1946, in LaPorte, she married Harold C. Bernacchi, who survives.

   Also surviving are one daughter, Jeannie (Barry) Heiser of Alexandria, MN; four sons, Michael (Cheryl) Bernacchi of LaPorte, Ken (Jo Anne) Bernacchi of Akins, SC, Jon Bernacchi of Wellsboro, IN, and Tony Bernacchi of Kingsbury, IN; eight grandchildren, Andy and Alexis Bernacchi, Sammy King, Stephanie White, Melissa Capinegro, Carrie Sauer, and Cory and Amanda Bernacchi; four great-ggrandchildren, Hannah and Chloe White and Max and Myah Bernacchi; and one sister, Shirley Dilk of Cincinatti, OH.

   She was preceded in death by her parents; one granddaughter, Savanah Bernacchi; two sisters and three brothers.

   There will be no visitation. A private family service was held at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte.

   Donations may be made to Center for Hospice and Palliative Care Inc., 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637.

   Friends and family may sign their condolences below on WNLP, as well as at www.esslingfuneralhome.com.