Kwee Garam, Bernadette

Bernadette Kwee Garam, 69, a long-time resident of Irvington, passed away after a long illness at her home on May 15 surrounded by her loving family.

Bernadette devoted her life to serving others as a Maryknoll Sister; in developing programs for the disabled as a Social Affairs Officer for the United Nations in the Middle East; and most recently as a Professor of Sociology at Manhattan College.

She is survived by her husband Peter, her stepdaughters Jennifer Garam and Michelle Champagne, her brothers and sisters, Joseph Kwee, Catherine Gallagher, Margaret Laughlin, Peter Kwee, John Kwee and six nieces and nephews.

Viewing will be held on Friday May 17 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm at Edwards Dowdle Funeral Home, 64 Ashford Avenue, Dobbs Ferry NY 10522. A Requiem Mass will be held at 10:30 on Saturday May 18 at Maryknoll, 10 Pinesbridge Road, Ossining, NY 10562.

A short committal service will follow at Ferncliff Crematory, 280 Secor Road, Harstdale, NY 10530.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Maryknoll Sisters, P.O. Box 317, Maryknoll, NY 10545.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Journal News on May 16, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Bernadette Garam

7 Entries

Jacqueline Patchen Johnsen

May 21, 2013

Bernadette, an inspiration.

From the first moment we met, a spark of intellectual and light hearted energy surrounded our scholarly friendship. She encouraged me to research a longstanding passion of mine; Native American Traditions. While uncovering pre-colonial traditions of the Blueberry-Beaver Lake Cree, we shared many a life story, triumphs and tales of struggle. She was one of the few professors I greeted with a wide smile and open heart. I remember our last conversation (Too long ago) where she went into phenomenal detail about her visit to Canada to meet the tribe we had all researched for years. She seemed inspired, saddened and recharged. I would like to thank the Garam family and her sister (Whom I heard many a wonderful story about) for sharing Bernadette with Manhattan College. She changed my life in more ways than I can even comprehend. I'll never forget watching her eat Creole food and getting her to try the Poboys with vinegar. I'll always remember that face and her wonderful laugh!

All my respect and adventurous spirit,

Jacqueline

Mary Stuart

May 18, 2013

I feel a hole in my heart. And, while I know it will heal, I cherish the hole because it is where I held Bernie. My prayers are with all those gathered in body and in spirit at her Requiem Mass today. Love, Molly

Patrice Athanasidy

May 17, 2013

I met Bernadette at the College of Mount Saint Vincent and then bumped into her regularly when I returned to the Manhattan College campus. The one thing that was always present was Bernadette's warm, gentle smile. She smiled from the inside out. I will miss our chance meetings.

Patrice Athanasidy

May 17, 2013

I met Bernadette while at the College of Mount Saint Vincent and found her again when I was back at Manhattan College. The smile I remembered was the first thing I saw when we bumped into each other on campus. Bernadette cared about the people she met deeply and always remembered the little things. I will miss her.

May 16, 2013

She was a cheerful and friendly presence in our community. So sorry she will not grace our halls again. Claudia, Manhattan College

Pam

May 15, 2013

Condolences to the family and friends of such a giving woman. I did not know Bernadette, but through her sister Margie, I knew she was special, and so very loved by so many. Pam

fjohn reinke (mc1968)

May 15, 2013

The Manhattan College alumni community shares the grief, and is now praying for our fellow "Jasper Maker" and the family at this time. Faculty -- current and past -- are recognized, remembered, and prayed for. We are mindful of the service of these good men and women that comprise the Jasper "forge" that making us what we are. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself ... any man's death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.

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Funeral services provided by:

Edwards-Dowdle Funeral Home, Inc.

64 Ashford Avenue, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522

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