Mary Sardina

Mary Bachmeier Sardina was born October 31, 1930, to Mary and Joseph Bachmeier in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She married Jerome Sardina on May 26, 1951, and they have resided in Greendale, Wisconsin for the past 60 years. Mary professed Jesus as her Lord and Savior, passed into the loving arms of Jesus, and made it home where she is a true citizen of Heaven at the age of 93, on January 9, 2024.

Mary is survived by her husband Jerome and five children: Donna (Dennis) Andrist, Dorene (Alain) Salvati, Denise (Paul) Knebel, Diane (Dennis) Hasting, and Jerome J. (Melanie Johnson) Sardina.

"Behold children are a heritage from the Lord…Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them" Psalm 127:5. Mary's quiver was full, and her heart filled as her 13 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren often surrounded her.

During Mary's 93 years, she taught her children invaluable lessons right up to her passing. Mary taught her children the value of "doing the job right the first time." While each of her children can share stories of their complaining about having to do a job over again, they will each tell you today it is a value that was taught not just because it is the right thing to do but, more importantly, it is a value that will impact others around you when they see your character.

Mary loved to laugh and share her time with you. Mary often said, "You gave me my laugh for the day" while you exchanged stories. While she often felt she didn't have unique gifts to offer you, she offered herself, her generosity, and wanted to spend time with you. Mary listened, showed genuine care for others, and was quick to help others, or, as her husband and children will tell you, was quick to at least volunteer someone to help others because she saw the need. Mary also had a heart for animals, especially dogs. Seldom did you ever see Mary without a puppy by her side. Mary was the child growing up who had the neighborhood strays following her home to care for, and this love for animals didn't change into adulthood.

While Mary was small in stature, she had a strong spirit and believed in and taught the value of sticking up for yourself, being proud of who you are, and having a strong voice. Mary believed in others more than she believed in herself, not realizing the mark she had left on five children who are influencing the world in their own ways because of the model they had before them. Now, these children get to share those values with their children and their grandchildren, spreading Mary's legacy for generations to come.

"Spend the extra $10 bucks and get the best one; when you're dead and gone, what difference will it make." Those words echo throughout the Sardina household. Children and grandchildren loved it when Mary put her two cents' worth into the conversation because she was always on your side when it came to spending money. Little did she realize she was teaching lessons even when she thought she was just being funny.

While her family mourns the loss of Mary, we each have the hope in us, through our faith in Christ, that one day we will meet our mother again. For this reason, we can celebrate her joy of life and love for family & friends, knowing that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Our mom is healthy, joyful, singing praises, and in Heaven's throne room.

Mom, your kindness, strength, and wisdom will continue because you have taught us well.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that you make a donation to Greendale Baptist Church with “Camp Scholarship Fund” written on the memo line. The money collected will be used to send kids of all ages to Bible Camp. Mary knew what it meant to “....in humility count others more significant than yourselves…look not only to his own interest, but also to the interest of others.” Philippians 2: 3-5. Mary’s heart would be full knowing she was able to send children to Bible Camp where they will hear the most important message of their lives, the message of the Gospel.

Memorial Service: January 20, 2024 @ 11:00 a.m

Greendale Baptist Church

5651 S. 51st Street

Greendale, WI 53129