Bernadine M. Stachniewicz, 87, a resident of Kingston and formerly of Simpson Street, Swoyersville, passed into eternal life peacefully on Sunday afternoon, January 19, 2025, at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.
She is happily reunited in heaven with her beloved husband of 60 years, Chester Stachniewicz, who passed away on July 16, 2019.
Born on November 04, 1937, in Kingston, Bernadine was one of two children born to the late John Vidunas and Mary Wasilewski Vidunas.
Raised in Kingston, Bernadine was a graduate of the former Kingston High School, Class of 1955. Following high school, she went on to further her education at Wilkes College, now Wilkes University, where, in 1959, she attained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education.
Proud of being an educator, Bernadine was employed for many years by the Wyoming Valley West School District, teaching 7th grade math, prior to her retirement. She was a member of the Pennsylvania School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS).
A woman of strong faith with deep love for her church and the community it serves, Bernadine was a longtime member of the former Saint Mary of Czestochowa Church, Swoyersville. Following the consolidation of her church, she became a member of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Swoyersville, where she held membership with its Confraternity of Christian Mothers, and was a faithful member of the parish collection counters.
Bernadine enjoyed many things in life, especially attending theatre productions in New York City; lunch gatherings with her close circle of friends; and dining at her favorite restaurants (although she despised cooking, she loved going out to eat!)
Family was the center of Bernadine’s life and her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren brought her the greatest joy. Cherishing every moment shared with her loved ones, she was happiest when they were all gathered together. This past November, her family honored her with a party in celebration of her 87th birthday and she was overjoyed that her whole family was together for the occasion. Although her presence will be missed beyond measure, her strong, vibrant, and loving spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of her loved ones.
In addition to her parents, John and Mary Vidunas, and her husband, Chester, Bernadine was preceded in death by her brother, Joseph Vidunas.
Left to cherish her memory are her three children, Barbara Stachniewicz, Haverhill, Massachusetts; Deborah Samley, Charlottesville, Virginia; and John Stachniewicz and his husband, Steven Baker, New Haven, Connecticut; her three grandchildren, Rebecca Warns and her husband, Thomas; Kathryn Cronin and her husband, Daniel; and Hannah Samley; her five great-grandchildren, Leo, Robby, and Madison Warns; and Fiona and Declan Cronin; as well as generations of nieces and nephews, and many beloved friends.
Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral which will be conducted on Friday, January 24, 2025, at 10:00 AM, from the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:30 AM in Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 116 Hughes Street, Swoyersville, with the Reverend Father John J. Chmil, her Pastor, officiating.
The Confraternity of Christian Mothers of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish will recite the Rosary on Friday morning at 10:00 AM in the church.
Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Swoyersville.
Family and friends are invited to attend Bernadine’s viewing which will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the funeral home.
To share a memory of Bernadine or message of condolence with her family, you may visit the funeral home website, www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com, or Facebook page.
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