Bernadette Dennis

Bernadette Frances (Whalen) Dennis
August 30, 1932 ~ June 14, 2023
On June 14, 2023, our loving mother and faithful servant of the Lord was called home to be with
her loved ones in heaven.
Bernadette (Bernie) Dennis was the daughter of the late George J. and Kathryn (O'Callaghan)
Whalen, she was born and raised in Newburgh NY, along with her five siblings, Marie (Edward)
Brosnan, Peggy (Frank) McKinstrie, Kathleen (Bob) Chesser, George "Buddy" (Estelle) Whalen,
Joan (Richard) Clark. She was the last of her siblings. Bernie would have been 91 years young
in August 2023.
Bernie would marry Dewey A. Dennis, of Bradenton, Florida, on April 7, 1956 and together they
would love and raise 8 children; have 17 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren. Her
husband, Dewey A. Dennis predeceased her on January 26, 1995.
She is survived by her children: Ann (Timothy) Shaw, Bernadette (Steve) Constable, Colleen
(Doug) Mans, Dewey (Susan) Dennis, Kathryn (Glenn) Botbyl, Joseph (Christi) Dennis, Patrick
(Lauren) Dennis, Christopher (Dawn) Dennis, and her grandchildren: Timothy (Kelly) Shaw,
Joseph Shaw (and fiancé Rachel McGinty), Robert (Amy Yannarelli) Shaw, Stephen Mans,
Michael "Mickey" Dennis, Edward "Eddie" Dennis, Meghan (TJ) Stelzer, Alysa (Daniel)
Lombardozzi, Jessie Dennis, Jake Dennis, Kieran Dennis, Dylan Dennis, Riley Dennis, Grace
Dennis, Casey Dennis, Abby Dennis, and Christopher "CJ" Dennis; was step-grandmother to
Greg (Alana) Botbyl. Bernie was a great grandmother to: Natalie and Owen Stelzer, Noah and
Samantha Lombardozzi; Coleton, Evan and Camden Botbyl. She is also survived by her brother in-
law Denny (Polly) Dennis, and her sister-in-law, Suella Spittler of California; many nieces and
nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.
Her greatest joy was in spending time with her family, going to Mass, and playing games. Bernie
was a strong believer in the Golden Rule. Her greatest strengths were her faith in God and love
of family. Out of her devotion to this belief would come kindness, forgiveness and compassion
for everyone. Daily prayer was very important in her life; her favorite scripture was Prov. 3: 5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways
submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." As a true Christian, she was a perfect
example for us all to follow. Bernie had a great sense of humor and a beautiful singing voice.
She loved playing games (especially teaching her family card games and dominoes).
Bernie was a member of the Arimathean Ministry, Tired Mothers of LBI, the North Naples
Country Club, and Alpha Zeta Beta of Newburgh, she was the founder of the family's
"Happiness Club"; she participated in the Right to Life movement attending rallies.
Bernie moved to Naples, Florida, where she shared a home with her sisters and brother-in-laws,
and made new friends. The Lord always provided. We want to thank the wonderful staff at the
NYS Veterans Home in Montrose, NY for taking good care of "our" Bernie.
We will celebrate her life on Tuesday, June 20th at Brooks Funeral Home, 481 Gidney Avenue,
Newburgh, NY from 4pm - 7pm. On Wednesday, June 21st, a Mass of Christian burial will be
held at St. Mary's Church, 180 South Street, Newburgh, NY, at 11am. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, New Windsor.
In lieu of flowers, please
make a donation to the charity of your choice and love one another.