TRAVERSE CITY — Bernadette Lucy "Bernie" "Toots" Rooney McGee, 88, was received into
the arms of God on Monday, January 24, 2022. Bernie was born July 8, 1933 in Grand Rapids,
MI and received a Bachelors in Nursing from Mercy College of Detroit. Bernie and her husband
William ("Bill") met while serving their community as nurses. They married on April 7, 1956 at
Holy Rosary Church in Flint. This began 54 years of a faith-filled marriage until Bill's death in
2010. Bernie and Bill exemplified their marriage vows spoken so many years ago; for richer or
poorer, for better or worse, in sickness and in health. All who knew them have benefitted from
witnessing their testament of faith and love. They both lived beautiful, impactful lives.
Bill and Bernie moved to Traverse city in 1956 where they became members of the Immaculate
Conception (IC) parish. Throughout her more than 60 years as a parishioner, Bernie remained
active, faithful, and committed to the IC church. It was commonplace for Bernie and Bill to
welcome parish priests and nuns into their home, further strengthening their faith. Lenten
season was met with a weekly rosary with all nine children kneeling and praying with them.
Bernie was involved in prayer chains, pancake breakfasts, and assisted Bill with his leadership
positions within the IC community. The doors were always open and people were always
welcomed at the McGee homestead where spiritual awakenings often took place. Cursillos and
De Colores enveloped the home while guitars, prayers, and song filled the house with love.
Bernie has always been the pillar of strength for her family. She was the matriarch of the
Malewitz, Rooney, and McGee clans. Bernie had a twin brother, Bernard. They took different
paths in life with mom, "Toots," marrying and raising nine children, and Bernard, "Turk," following
his calling into the priesthood. He always reminded Toots that she was the elder of the two.
Bernie was a mother to more than just her nine biological children. Over the years, the McGees
welcomed unwed mothers, troubled teens, young adults, and VISTA volunteers from
Peshawbestown reservation into their home. Her children's friends always knew "Mom and
Dad's" home was a safe haven as they were "one of the kids." There was always a place at the
table and a warm place to sleep. On Nov 1, 1971, Bill's life took a drastic turn when he survived
a near-fatal car accident. Bernie became a homemaker, mother, and Bill's nurse and caregiver
during the day, and the breadwinner and full-time nurse at night. Bill's constant pain and
suffering did not deter her. She never complained and when she was told she was a "saint" for
caring for Bill, she responded saying "He is my husband and I love him. I wouldn't have it any
other way." Bernie retired six times from various jobs in the medical profession. Those who
knew her loved her and will continue to live in her example. Her legacy will live on.
Bernie's loves in life were many, including sports, cribbage, puzzles, cooking, and her faith.
Bernie and Bill were very socially active and participated in the Traverse City Hunt Club and in
city bowling leagues. She was a part of a bridge group that met weekly for over 40 years (Barb
Shrift, Grace Glynn, Ronnie Green, Lorna Ameel, and Mary Ann Drury). She loved her
"Beaumont Girls" from her nursing days. She was the "bookie" for the family and friends' football
pool where she would call participants weekly to select their picks for NFL games.
Bernie was preceded in death by the love of her life William "Bill" McGee, parents George and
Helen (Malewitz) Rooney, her twin brother Rev. Bernard "Turk" Rooney C.Ss.R., her
great-grandson Zachary Moll, sisters in saw Denise (Maurice) O'Halloran, Sr. Borgia Ann
McGee S.S.J., and brothers in law John (Marian) McGee and Pat (Rose) McGee.
She is survived by her nine children: Kathleen (Bill Stallman) McGee-Stallman, Patricia
(Michael) Martin, Daniel (Janet) McGee, Mary (Francis Cullen) McGee-Cullen, Thomas
(Alessandra) McGee, and John (Neva) McGee of Traverse City, Kevin (Ann) McGee of
Nashville, and Kieran (Kevin Shafer) McGee and William (Staci) McGee of Rockford. Bill and
Bernie were blessed with 20 grandchildren, Gina (Scott), Alana, Erin, Will, Monica, Audrey,
Marley (Justin), Shealyn (Justin), Ryan (Brianna), Kennedy (Kevin), Helen, Connor, Evan,
Delaney, Matheus, Justine (John), Sydney, Sean, Keegan, and Kati, and five
great-grandchildren, Nick, Sam, Hayden, Wynn, and Nolan. She had numerous nieces,
nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be held at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home today, January 27 from 4 to 8 p.m.
with a rosary service (webcasted at rjfhtv.com) at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior on Friday, January 29, at Immaculate Conception Church. The mass will also be live streamed at www.immaculatetc.org for those unable to attend. Burial will take place at Oakwood Catholic
Cemetery. Please remember Bernie through memorial gifts to Father Fred Food Pantry or
Hospice of Michigan in memory of Bernie McGee.
The family would like to offer our deepest gratitude to the numerous doctors and staff who have
cared for Mom over many years. Our many thanks go out to Deacon Rene Hoenschied, the
Hospice of Michigan staff, Boardman Lake Glens staff, and Kate for their gentle care of Mom in
her final days. Kindly share thoughts and memories about Mom online at
www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com . The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home
and Cremation Services.
Mom was a living example of faith, hope, and love. Mom, Grandma, Nana, loving wife, mother,
and caregiver of many, we thank you for your selflessness, kindness, acceptance of others, and
warm and forgiving spirit. We love you always.