Bernice M. Madsen, formerly of Belford, died peacefully Sept. 11, 2022, at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. She was 92. Bernice was born in Union City to James and Marian Hanna. She attended Saint Augustine School and was a proud graduate of St. Michael’s High School, Union City. Upon graduation, she enjoyed working as a secretary in Manhattan for a number of years.
Bernice met the love of her life John Madsen on a blind date, and they were married in October of 1953. They lived in Cliffside Park until 1960, when they moved to Belford and lived in the same house for 62 years, creating a lifetime of happy memories. As their family grew, the Madsens purchased a condo in Pompano Beach, Florida, which served as a getaway to celebrate Easter and summer vacations. Walks on the beach, afternoons by the pool, and entertaining with friends were among Bernice’s favorite things.
Bernice was devoted to her Roman Catholic faith and was active in the Saint Mary Parish community. A member of the Rosary Altar Society and a past president of the Saint Mary School PTA, she also served as a substitute teacher at Mater Dei High School. Bernice’s influence was most notable as cheerleading coach for many years at both Saint Mary and Mater Dei. She took great pride in the many young women she coached and mentored over the years.
Bernice embraced time with family and friends, celebrating holiday traditions, Sunday dinners, and many casual get-togethers by her backyard pool. She was an avid reader who watched “Jeopardy” and “Wheel of Fortune” every weeknight and did The New York Times crossword puzzle in ink on Sundays. Her love of knowledge was also nourished by her many traveling adventures. Bernice was very proud of her Irish heritage and cherished her trip to Ireland.
Bernice went above and beyond to be kind and generous to all, but she never left any doubt that her family came first. She loved her children fiercely, providing care and unconditional support in every circumstance. In later years, she happily embraced the role of “Ga,” as her grandsons called her, nurturing them with the same dedication her children enjoyed.
The greatest example of Bernice’s love and devotion to her family was caring for her husband John over many years, until he died of Alzheimer’s in May 2022 after 68 years of marriage. Her family is at peace knowing that Bernice and John are now together forever.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Bernice was predeceased by her brothers, Robert and James Hanna, as well as her sister-in-law Julia Madsen and brother-in-law John Moore. She is survived by her children, Karyn M. Jeffery and her husband William of Colts Neck; John J. Madsen Jr. of Greifensee, Switzerland; and James F. Madsen and his life partner Nicole Gallo of Middletown. She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Ryan Jeffery of Madison, Wisconsin; Kyle Jeffery of Coral Gables, Florida; and Julie Bauer of Towson, Maryland. Also surviving are her sister Barbara G. Moore of Hasbrouck Heights, her brother-in-law Edward Madsen of Hackensack, and several nieces and nephews.
A viewing was held Sept. 20 at John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown. A Mass of Christian Burial was offered Sept. 21 at Saint Mary, Mother of God Church, Middletown. Burial followed at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Middletown.
Those wishing to honor Bernice’s memory may make memorial contributions to the American Heart Association. Arrangements are under the direction of John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown.
The article originally appeared in the September 22 – 28, 2022 print edition of The Two River Times.
