Mary Louise Kratofil (Berarducci)

Kratofil (Berarducci), Mary Louise

Died peacefully at her home at Brookdale Assisted Living in Grand Blanc, Michigan on Wednesday, August 26, 2020.  She was born on March 22, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan to Alfred and Kathryn J. (Fatica) Berarducci.

She was married to Joseph Anthony Kratofil (Sr.) of Hamilton, Montana on August 21, 1965 at St. Scholastica Church in Detroit, Michigan.

She is survived by her son Joseph Anthony "Tony" Kratofil, Jr. and daughter-in-law Theresa L., daughter Kathryn Louise "Katie" Kratofil of Hudson, Michigan, and grandchildren Thomas Joseph Kratofil of San Diego, California and Michaela Anne Kratofil of Bremerton, Washington.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph A. Kratofil, Sr., her parents and brother Laurence A. Berarducci.

Mary Lou started her career as a school teacher in the Detroit Public Schools and after a few years served as a civilian teacher on U.S. military bases throughout the world, including assignments in the Netherlands, Germany, and the Philippines. In was during her last assignment at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines that she met her husband Joe, who was also a school teacher exploring the world like her.  She always enjoyed travel and learning about new cultures throughout her life. Following their marriage, Mary Lou and Joe settled in Jackson, Michigan where she stopped teaching to be a homemaker and raise their two children. As the children became older, she worked part time at the Jackson District Library and tutored Japanese children in English. She was an avid cook, taking advantage of the abundance of fruits and vegetables from Joe's garden.  She also enjoyed classical music and art, and was particularly talented in oil and water color painting. She was active in their church, St. John the Evangelist in Jackson, Michigan and supported Joe in his formation and ministry as a permanent deacon starting in 1987.

She will be interred at St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Jackson, Michigan following a private funeral mass. Memorial gifts may be made to Coleman Foundation, 313 S. Church St., Hudson, MI 49247.