Obituary of Bernadine A. Ripka

WESTPORT, CONN Bernadine Ann Ripka (Bernie), age 87, of Westport, CT, passed peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on December 8, 2023. Bernie was born in Chicago, IL, to Michael and Anna Shuta and had lived in Westport, CT, since 1973. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, John, their sons, Mark and his wife Kate, Brett and his wife Kristen and their two children, Emma and Josephine, her daughter-in-law Kim, and Kim and Greg's daughter Abigail. She was predeceased by her son, Greg, her brother, John Shuta and his wife Dorothy and their 4 sons, as well as her sister, Martha Neumann and her husband Frank. Throughout her life, Bernie played many roles, but her most cherished roles were being a mother and being a grandmother. Bernie was a member of St. Luke Church and she prepared and served meals to the underprivileged. She was also an avid fitness walker and appreciated fashion and interior decorating. She will be remembered for her generous spirit, quick wit, high emotional intelligence, and love of people. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the following charities of your choice in Bernie's honor: Alzheimer's Association | Donate to Fight Alzheimer's Disease, The Parkinson's Foundation: Believe in Better. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, December 14, 2023, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. in the Lesko Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 15, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Luke Church, Westport. Her interment will be at a later date and will be private in Willowbrook Cemetery, Westport.