Obituary of Bernadine Helen Chisholm

Bernadine Helen Chisholm, age 76, of Osage Beach, Missouri passed away Monday, January 27, 2020 at Osage Beach Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. Bernadine was born May 25, 1943, in Syracuse, New York, the daughter of John and Helen (Szot) Mokwa. On March 1, 1975, Bernadine was united in marriage to Donald Chisholm. He was her loving, supportive, strong beyond words husband of 45 years when she preceded him in death. Berni was vivacious, precocious, talented, creative, strong and beautiful. Berni used her musical talents in theater early in her life! She "starred" in MAME, Brigadoon, and Fiddler on the Roof to name a few. Berni used her beautiful voice to entertain so many in the Dayton, Ohio area for many years in a popular dinner club. Her children would watch and listen in awe as she practiced singing in the kitchen while cooking dinner. She also received an invite to sing with a "big band" out of Philadelphia, for which she turned down because she had 6 kids to care for!! Her voice was as beautiful as she was, and it brought joy to so many! Berni was an entrepreneur! She created a booming company (Product Promotions Unlimited) that provided employment for so many women in the Dayton area. Berni used her charisma and ability to sell a new concept to department and grocery stores. Berni made grocery shopping an experience by creating fashion shows while shopping! Kids and adults walked the runway in many Kroger’s to display seasonal fashion ideas for those busy moms who may not have had time to figure out how to dress their family for the season! She was ahead of her time and taught her children the power of how to create and be a force in your own world. Berni was crashing the ceiling before we even knew there was a ceiling!! Berni continued her desire and quest for a degree. She received an Associate’s degree in her 40s. She received her real estate license around then as well. And of course, was successful in her real estate career. Our earliest memories as her children were of wedding dresses and clothing hanging around our dining room next to her sewing machine. We were too young to understand but she also had her own business then. She was a seamstress and not only created beautiful clothing for her customers, but every special event and nice piece of clothing we children had was made with love by Mom …with an outrageous sense of style for we children. All Berni’s grandchildren have personalized blankets and pillows to help announce their birth… precious items that are still held dear today. All our homes are graced with her unique design pieces. Berni’s last entrepreneurial endeavor was to provide luxury custom décor to so many. Sold individually and to lovely boutiques across the state and country. Her attention to detail has no rival. Her work ethic and drive to create beauty in so many ways is inspiring. Of course, all these “things” she provided and created are “things” but what we are truly left with is her spirit, her drive, her fierceness, her strength and her legacy to carry on through this amazing family she created. Berni leaves behind her husband Donald Chisholm of Osage Beach, Missouri; her 6 children Peter Seifried, Karyn Seifried Halstenberg, Kristen Seifried Janvrin, Michael Seifried, Heather Chisholm Darrow, and Phillip Chisholm; her 15 grandchildren; her loving sister Helen Mokwa Filipikowski; loving nieces and nephews; and countless others who were impacted by her beauty on the inside and out. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, February 29, 2020 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 2411 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Lake Ozark, Missouri 65049. The family will welcome friends for a reception following services at the church. Inurnment will be held at a later date.