Bernadine (Dirckx) DeCock

Bernadine “Bernie” (Dirckx) DeCock, 85, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 8 in Antioch, CA after a courageous fight against many illnesses, including pneumonia and cancer.
Born Feb. 24, 1937 to Leo Jules Dirckx and Dina (Lens) Dirckx in Ghent, MN, she was the eldest of three sisters and had seven brothers. She attended Eloi Elementary School and went on to graduate in 1955 from Minneota High School. She married the love of her life, Robert (Bob) DeCock, on Sept. 1 of the same year in Minneota, MN, at St. Edwards Church.
Bernadine worked in retail for two years at the Big Store in Minneota and earned Clerk of the Year before moving to Minneapolis, where she continued her retail career and had three precious children over the next eight years. In 1965, she moved with her husband and family to Antioch, CA where she has remained a resident for 55 years.
Bernadine was best known in Antioch for her amazingly decorated wedding and birthday cakes. She was passionate about being a kind and loving friend to all. She attended church regularly and participated in a weekly bible study group. Bernadine had many friends at her Ladies Bingo Club and welcomed anyone who was ready to play. She especially enjoyed trips to the casinos in Reno, NV when her husband paid for her to play.
She enjoyed travel and visited family in Minnesota often, coordinated family camping trips to Mc Kerricker State Park, Ft. Bragg and other private campgrounds in Santa Cruz, CA. She had an affinity for Glacier Park, in Montana and Yellowstone Park. Family outings included day trips to the ocean for a picnic or walks to the nearby playground with her grandchildren. Bernadine had many hobbies including baking, cooking, sewing, crafting, canning, puzzles, gambling, diamond painting and card or board games.
Bernie was a devoted loving, caring and compassionate wife to Bob. Her steadfast and faithful union to Bob served as an ever-present example of true love to her friends and family.
Above all other hobbies, her greatest love and endeavor was to be the best mother, grandmother and great grandmother she could be. She loved unconditionally, and taught all of her children about God's love. Her grandchildren were very special to her and she held them near and dear to her heart.
She is survived by her husband, Robert DeCock; children Alan and (Karen) DeCock, Gina Bianichini (DeCock), Tim and (Danette) DeCock, Tina Sweetin (DeCock), Nancy and (Dave) Reano. Grandchildren Michele and (Elijah) Duran, Jeff and (Kristen) Reano, Jason and (Mallery) DeCock, Daniel and (Victoria) DeCock, Gregg and (Cayla) Reano, Brianne and (John) Rio, Brooke and Brian Sweeten, Robert and (Ashley) Slife. Great-grandchildren Dominic and Abigail Duran, Gianna, Aviana and Italia Reano, Greyson and Callan Reano, D.J. and Mia DeCock, Sabrina and Orissa Rio, Madeline and Benjamin Slife. Siblings Ferd Dirckx, Vincent and (Linda) Dirckx, Richard Dirckx, Greg and (Judy) Dirckx and Clare and (Doug) Frayseth, her beloved best friend Janie McGrew and many other loving nieces, nephews, neighbors, friends and family. She is preceded in death by her parents Leo and Dina (Lens) Dirckx, brothers Charles, Dave and Leo Dirckx, sister Mary Furhman and granddaughter Shaunda DeCock.
Services will be held at Higgins Chapel, 1310 A Street, Antioch, CA 94509 on Friday April 22, 2022 at 10 a.m. The service can also be viewed livestream at: https://www.viewlogies.net/higgins/opF7pyOUI?pin=519836, using PIN: 519-836