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Bernadine Schumaker Obituary
Bernadine M. Schumaker, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, passed away on the morning of December 17, 2023, at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Salisbury Township, Pennsylvania. She was 84. She and her husband, Donald R. Schumaker Sr of Orefield, shared 66 wonderful years of marriage since their union on November 16, 1957.
Born on January 17, 1939, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Bernadine was the daughter of the late John P. and Marie C. Sutjak (Gurgick). She was a lifelong member of St. John the Baptist Slovak Catholic Church in Allentown. She attended St. John the Baptist Church grade school and graduated from Allentown Central Catholic High School in 1956.
Bernadine began her professional journey as a key punch operator at Mack Trucks. Later, she pursued a career in computer programming, earning her degree from Lehigh Carbon Community College. She went on to have a successful career contributing her skills to the Capital Blue Cross, Gould Inc., and Harleysville Insurance companies.
A dedicated member of the service community, Bernadine was a member of the Kuhnsville Area Lioness Club and served as treasurer for several years.
Bernadine was an avid ballroom dancer, participating with her husband in the Cotillion Dance Club and the US Amateur Ballroom Dancers Association. Together, they enjoyed the art of dance and created lasting memories together on the dance floor.
Her adventurous spirit led her to travel the world, embracing diverse cultures and creating cherished moments with her family.
Bernadine was a loving sister to Marion J. O'Neil (Dennis) and brother John S. Sutjak (Rebecca), and she was predeceased by her sister Johanna Malinowski (Stanley).
In her cherished role as a dedicated mother, Bernadine is survived by her children: Donald R. Schumaker Jr., Melodie M. Stinner (Edward), Richard J. Schumaker, and Mary K. Cargo (James).
She leaves behind a profound legacy of love and warmth that extends to her beloved grandchildren: Donald Jr.'s children-Donald R. Schumaker III (Tiffani), Gavin R. Schumaker, and Abigail R. Schumaker; Melodie's children-Deanna M. Stinner Moussa (Ramie) and Kyle E. Stinner; Richard's son-Keith R. Schumaker (Tasha); and Mary's son-Alexander J. Cargo.
Her great-grandchildren include Keith's daughters-Hailey and Addalyne-and Donald III's children-David, Reagyn, Kylor and Lita. The most recent addition to the family is Bernadine's great-great-grandchild, Jasper Park, son of David.
In the final years of her life, Bernadine faced the challenges of Parkinson's Disease with strength and resilience. To honor her memory and contribute to the fight against Parkinson's, the family kindly requests donations to be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or to St. John the Baptist Slovak Catholic Church care of Kohut Funeral Home.
Bernadine Schumaker will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and unwavering love for her family. May she rest in peace, and may her legacy continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.
A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 PM on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at the Kohut Funeral Home in Allentown. An additional viewing hour will be held on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 from 9 to 10 AM at St. John the Baptist Slovak Catholic Church, 924 N Front St, Allentown, PA 18102. The Funeral Mass will begin at 10 AM. Interment and Luncheon to follow.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bernadine Schumaker
Sponsored by Kohut Funeral Home, Inc..
6 Entries
Sandy (Matrishin) Jacoby
December 31, 2023
Rick, Mary , and family ,
We are so sorry for your loss.
May you cherish your wonderful memories of your mother .
May she live on in your hearts forever.
Sandy and Todd Jacoby
Maryanne (Huber) Pohl
December 27, 2023
Sending my sympathy and prayers to Bernie's Dear Husband and Family.
She was a sweet classmate at CCHS.
We met again at our monthly class breakfast, where we caught up on family and activities. She even invited me to the dance club where we watched her lovely practiced moves. She will be remembered for her thoughtfulness, her personality, and constant smile. May she Rest in Peace.
Kay Yanochko
December 23, 2023
I was fortunate to meet Bernie at LCCC and then again at Arthur Murray. Thanks to her John and I took many enjoyable trips that she planned. I will always remember all the fun we had together!
Neva Kear
December 22, 2023
I´m proud to have danced a performance with Bernadine and Don during our Arthur Murray days. I recently came upon a photo taken from the balcony of Bernadine and the rest of us ladies wearing our fancy red dresses mid dance pose. She was quite a lady and I admired her gracefulness and gentle smile. My thoughts are with Don and family.
Ronald W. Fenstermaker
December 22, 2023
John Sutjak: Condolences re: your sister. She was 2 years ahead of me at CCHS, but I did not know her. I graduated with your younger, late sister Johanna. You and I worked on a project together at New Jersey Zinc Co. I still have the pictures of your truck accident in 1978. What have you been doing the last 45 yers? e-mail me at [email protected]
Terry L Lenhart
December 21, 2023
Rick and Chris, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. She is no longer in pain but celebrating with our Lord. God bless you all.
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Memorial Events
for Bernadine Schumaker
Dec
26
Viewing
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Kohut Funeral Home, Inc.950 North Front Street, Allentown, PA 18102-1912
Dec
27
Funeral services provided by:
Kohut Funeral Home, Inc.950 North Front Street, Allentown, PA 18102-1912
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