Bernadina "Dina" M. Storino of Hinsdale passed away peacefully Feb. 20, 2020, loved and embraced by family and friends.
Dina, 89, was born in 1930 in Chicago. She grew up surrounded by her Italian traditions, strong family and incredible faith life. She began her career at a young age working in her family's grocery market, demonstrating a commitment to serving customers that would continue until age 75. Her resolute personal and professional work ethic extended to her volunteer work with the elderly, neighborhood newcomers, and church choir.
Dina seemed to know someone wherever she went, and even her grandchildren's friends called her Grandma Dina. For more than 20 years she delighted in attending events at Monroe Elementary, Clarendon Hills Middle School and Hinsdale Central to watch sporting events, band concerts, plays and school programs. She especially loved the Monroe School Halloween Parade and Hinsdale Fourth of July Parade, Uniquely Thursdays, sporting events at Peirce and Robbins parks and watching her granddaughter cheer at Hinsdale Central. Moreover, it was not uncommon for her to make new friends or strike up a conversation on her frequent trips to Kramer's, even if there "only to get a few things." Her life was enriched by her sweet circle of women friends she met in kindergarten and still referred to as her "girlfriends."
Dina's witty sense of humor, vibrant laughter, inspiring courage and colorful personality will be cherished by many. Her generous heart aimed to always make everyone feel welcome. Her energizing spirit and thoughtful kindness were evident in her passion for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a lover of baking, opera and her church choir. Grandma Dina's goodies, beautiful singing voice and years of volunteering will be timeless treasures. She will be remembered and missed by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Pete; and her son, Peter.
She is survived by her four children, Louise (Kevin) Augustyn, Joseph (Teresa) Storino and Paul Storino; her sister, Rachel (the late John) Rose; her 11 grandchildren, Peter (Cynthia) Storino, Laura (Art) Olsen, Deanna (Jeffrey) Fishel, Thomas (fiancé Michelle) Storino, Joseph (Rachel) Storino, Michael Storino, Carrie Storino and Matthew Storino; Matthew Augustyn, Ryan Augustyn and Alexandra (Ali) Augustyn; and her five great-grandchildren, Ava, Elle, Olivia, Quinn and Laurel.
Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 29, at Notre Dame Church, 64 Norfolk Ave., Clarendon Hills.
A Mass will follow at noon at the church.
Interment is at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made online to Misericordia Home Heart of Mercy at https://www.misericordia.com.
Brian Powell Funeral Directors of Hinsdale handled the arrangements.
