Obituary of Bernadine Havrilla

Bernadine Havrilla SHAVERTOWN — Bernadine Havrilla, 94, of Shavertown, passed away peacefully on Monday afternoon, April 25, at the Meadows Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Dallas, PA. Bernadine was born in Swoyersville on November 30, 1927, and in her more active years was a member of St. Nicholas Byzantine Greek Catholic Church, Swoyersville. She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Kovach) Havrilla. Along with her parents, Bernadine was preceded in death by her grandparents, Andrew and Mary Kovach; her beloved sisters, Anna Wolensky and Madeline Havrilla; her brother, Edward Havrilla; and many, many cherished friends. In her younger years, she loved going to farmer dances with her sisters, supporting life on the family farm (she was especially good at milking cows), and enjoyed homemaking and spending time with her family, neighbors, and friends. She worked at AT&T and lived in Allentown, Pennsylvania, as well as North Plainfield, New Jersey, for several years. She lived with family on the coast of Maine near Bath for two years where she helped care for her niece’s children, and had a once-in-a-lifetime vacation in Hawaii. She always came home to Chase Road in Shavertown, where she eventually built her own house. Bernadine was sweet and generous to her family and friends. She clipped coupons, gave away groceries, and cleaned like a pro. She loved to entertain and was known for her great cooking—especially her lasagna, halupki, paprika chicken, steak “smothered in onions,” and carrot cake. She watched Pennsylvania Polka on Saturday nights, liked steamy romance novels, and enjoyed yodeling and cowboy songs (especially Gene Autry). She loved talking on the phone and attending family picnics and celebrations. She never married, although she did fall in love and had a few marriage proposals. Bernadine is survived by many nieces and nephews who will truly miss their Aunt Bern. Bernadine’s earthly remains were laid to rest at St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Cemetery, Lake Street, Dallas, in a small private ceremony. The family wishes to sincerely thank the nurses and staff of the Meadows Nursing & Rehabilitation Center for their loving and compassionate care of their dear “Bernie” during the past several years. In lieu of memorial offerings, please do something kind for someone else in honor of Bernadine’s generous spirit.