Bernadette H. Santone

Bernadette Lenkowski Santone, age 76, a pillar of her family and a longtime resident of Mt. Ephraim, NJ, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

Born in Camden, NJ, Bernadette was a proud graduate of Camden High School. She dedicated many years of service to New York Life before her retirement, but her true life's work was the home and family she built. For 57 years, she was the beloved wife of Ernie, and together they shared a life in Mt. Ephraim where they raised their two sons, David and Chris, and created a lifetime of memories.

Bernadette's greatest joy was her role as "Nona." Whether she was cheering from the sidelines, watching her granddaughter swim, or simply coloring and crafting with her grandkids, she was their biggest fan. She loved the excitement of the casino, the salt air of the Jersey Shore, and the simple pleasure of cooking for those she loved. A woman of many passions, she also found peace in travel and her various creative hobbies.

She is surely being greeted at the Rainbow Bridge by her loyal dog, Pete, and her beloved cats, Fred Fred and Freddie.

Bernadette was the cherished wife of Ernie Santone (Retired Camden Fire Department). She was the loving mother of David Santone and Chris Santone and his wife Heather. She was the adored Nona of Quinn Santone, Charlie Dougherty, and Kaden Ryan.

She is also survived by her brother Mike Lenkowski and his wife Angel, along with their children; her brother-in-law Bruce Santone and his wife Liane; and her brother-in-law Paul Santone and his wife Pam, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family members. She was predeceased by her parents, Bernard and Anna Lenkowski.

Family and friends are invited to gather for her viewing on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Saint Joachim Parish - Annunciation Church, 601 W Browning Rd, Bellmawr, NJ. A Catholic Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be held privately at a later date.

In honor of the deep dedication her husband and son have shown to the fire service, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to: Camden County Hero Scholarship Fund, Inc. https://www.camdencountyhero.com/