She was born in Fountain Hill, Pennsylvania on 18 January 1947 to Paul and Bernadine Stavnicky. Bernadette graduated from Bethlehem Catholic High School in Pennsylvania. She was formerly married to Carmelo Giovenco, also from Fountain Hill, for 36 years and divorced in 2006. Her career included jobs as a bank receptionist, a secretary at the Bethlehem Steel, and an education executive assistant at Holy Infancy School in Bethlehem. She had a passion for crocheting, crafts, and gardening.
She suffered from Crohn's Disease for over 40 years and was an advocate to help other people suffering from the disease.
She is survived by her brother, Paul Stavnicky; her two sons, Carmelo, 53 (married to Victoria Contreras), and Christopher, 51 (married to Beth Kushner); and four grandchildren: Ryan (24), Gabriel (22), Jack (21), and Alessandra (19). Funeral arrangements have not been set at this time but will occur in both Spring Hill, Florida, and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.