Bernadine Jean Lee

Bernadine was the beloved wife of 53 years to Donald W. Lee; devoted mother of Kristen M. Lee (Brandon), Matthew J. Lee , and Laurie P. Domiano (Joseph); dear sister of Patricia Popek, who preceded her in death, and of Daniel, David, Joseph, Edward, Kenneth, and Lauren Popek; cherished grandmother and devoted "Grammy" to Ayden, Henry, Cole, and Benton. Bernadine is also survived by many loving family members and friends.

Born and raised in Elmwood Park, New Jersey, Bernadine grew up surrounded by a large family, where she developed a lifelong love for family and togetherness. A nurse throughout her life, she had a natural gift for caring for others, a quality that extended far beyond her profession. She was especially remembered for her time as the school nurse at St. Stephen Catholic School in Bradshaw, Maryland, and for her involvement as a Girl Scout leader. Her kindness and welcoming nature made it easy for anyone to feel at home in her presence, and it was often said that there wasn't a person who didn't like her.

A devoted homemaker, Bernadine took great pride in creating a warm and loving home for her family. She had a talent for making even the simplest moments special, particularly when it came to the holidays. Whether she was putting together holiday baskets, carefully hiding Easter eggs for the children and grandchildren to find, or preparing her famous pierogies for family gatherings, everything she did was done with love. She enjoyed crafting and DIY projects, tending to her beautiful flower gardens, and challenging anyone willing to take her on in a game of Scrabble, where she was quite the competitor.

Above all, Bernadine was a wonderful wife and mother whose greatest happiness came from her family. Her children were the center of her world, and she devoted herself wholeheartedly to their happiness and well-being. She leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories, family traditions, and a legacy of love that will live on through those who knew her. Her family will forever cherish the traditions she created, the kindness she showed others, and the unconditional love she shared throughout her life.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather at Schimunek Funeral Home of Bel Air, Inc., 610 W. MacPhail Rd., Bel Air, MD 21014 on Saturday October 24, 2026 from 12:00PM-4:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bernadine's memory to St. Stephen Catholic Church, 8030 Bradshaw Road, Kingsville, MD 21087, or online at https://ssparish.org.