Bernadette Kaczor

Bernadette Kaczor, 70, of Union, NJ, passed away in her home surrounded by loving family members on August 22. Bernadette was born in Fulda, Germany in 1953 to John and Maria Kaczor. Bernadette came with her family by ocean liner to the United States, eventually settling in Union, New Jersey. She attended Saint Michael’s and Holy Spirit Schools in Union, as well as the Deutsche Sprachschule in Irvington. Bernadette graduated from Union Catholic High School in 1971. She received an Associate’s Degree from Union County College and completed her studies in liberal arts at Rutgers University.

Bernadette lived a fulfilling life in Union, where she lived for 67 years. She was one of the original members of Holy Spirit Church, which she attended with her mother. She worked for KCS Energy, followed by Schering-Plough Pharmaceuticals and Merck, where she spent the last 26 years.

At an early age, Bernadette was taught by her mother to knit and sew. She took much pleasure in it and turned it into a productive hobby. She knitted sweaters and vests, and sewed skirts, dresses, and other clothing for herself, family members, and friends. Bernadette also enjoyed gardening, leaving behind a beautiful backyard. She loved to solve word puzzles, competing with her sister (“Point for you!” they would grudgingly concede to each other). Jeopardy! was appointment viewing.

Bernadette was an avid reader, wearing out many a library card at Union County libraries. She also loved to swim, spending her summer evenings after work at the Mountainside Community Pool, where she was a longtime member.

Bernadette’s family held tight to their German heritage. They took regular trips to Germany, making sure to always visit family. She continued making these visits

throughout her adult life. In her younger years, Bernadette often jetted to the Bahamas. She also took regular trips to the Jersey Shore. She enjoyed traveling with her dear sister and best friend Dolores. In addition to Germany, they traipsed through Rome, strolled along the Danube in Budapest, sipped together in California wine country, and explored numerous cities, including Washington, DC, Boston, San Francisco, and Toronto. Taxi drivers were out of luck because they walked everywhere!

More than anything, Bernadette was a selfless and loving daughter and companion to her mother as she aged, caring for “Mommy” until her death in 2023.

Bernadette was preceded in death by John, her father, and Maria, her mother. She leaves behind her dear brother, John Henry (Pam) Kaczor; beloved sister, Dolores (Dean) Celia; four nieces, Kimberly, Kellie, Katherine, and Natalie; two nephews, Michael and Matthew; two great nieces, Lola and Flynn; and one great nephew, Gabriel.

Bernie, you were brave and fought to the end. You will always be with us. We love you and are thankful for the love and care you sent our way.

A visitation and life celebration will be held Thursday, August 29, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at McCracken Funeral Home, 1500 Morris Ave, Union, NJ 07083.

Interment will be private.

Fond memories, expressions of sympathy or condolence messages with the Kaczor family at www.McCrackenFuneralHome.com.