Bernadette Boner of Middletown passed away April 13, 2022. She lived a rich, happy life and devoted her boundless energy to helping her friends and family until her final day. Bernadette had a smile and a kind word for everyone and, when asked, insightful advice.
Bernadette was born in the small farming town of Belturbet, County Cavan, Ireland. In her later years, she would remember life in Belturbet filled with love, farm chores, study and prayer, with some fishing in the River Erne and playing on her family’s lush farmland for recreation.
Bernadette wanted something different than farm life, however. She emigrated to the U.S. at age 17.
While living in the Bronx with her sisters, Dympna and Carmel, Bernadette met the love of her life and husband of 55 years, James. Together, they raised four children in Bayonne. Bernadette’s limitless love and thoughtful guidance enriched every day of her children’s lives.
Once Bernadette’s children were in school, she returned to the workforce to manage the tavern she and James owned for many years in Jersey City. Somehow, Bernadette excelled in that role although she never drank, much less frequented bars. She proved herself equal parts smart businesswoman and kind-hearted raconteur.
Bernadette found her true calling as the doting Nana to her seven grandchildren. She devoted the last 25 years of her life to promoting their happiness, and the grandchildren repaid her with endless joy.
Bernadette was predeceased by her parents, Farrell and Kathleen, her brother William and her sisters Mary, Anna and May. She joins her beloved husband James in heaven. She is survived by her four children, Joseph and his wife Holly, James and his partner Flavia, Kathleen and her husband Jeffrey, and George and his wife Marguerite; her seven grandchildren, Kathrine, Brianne, Jeffrey, James, Claire, Nuala and Aoife; her brother Desmond; and her sisters, Dympna and Carmel.
Visitation was April 18 at John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown. A funeral liturgy was offered April 19 at Mary, Mother of God Church, Middletown. Interment followed at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Middletown.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, Bernadette’s friends share a meal with their own families. She would relish the thought of her legacy being cherished family time.
The article originally appeared in the April 21 – 27, 2022 print edition of The Two River Times.
