Bernadette (Gusciora) Harrington

Bernadette Harrington (Gusciora) of Little Falls, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2023. Born on June 14, 1939 in Clifton, New Jersey, Bernadette was 83 years old at the time of her passing, less than a week shy of her 84th birthday. 

Bernadette was a strong, selfless woman who devoted her life to those around her.  Ever up for an adventure, she reveled in the opportunity to visit her sister Patricia in Europe during her early days, often times accompanied by her younger sister Irene.  She spoke so fondly of those times, no doubt the spark that developed her love for travel - especially if it meant being around friends and family.  Some of her best memories in life were vacations to the beach, her beloved Kiawah Island and Disney with her children and then her grandchildren. 

Later, she would marry and have three children, dedicating all of herself to them.  From carpools to meals, projects to studying and everything in between, Bernadette was an incredible mother and her devotion to her children was most evident.  Never satisfied unless she was taking care of others, the holidays were the most special of times for her, with weeks of preparation delivering a warm, beautiful environment within which to celebrate with friends and family.

Beyond the holidays, Bernadette welcomed all into her home as if they were her own, with a warmth and hospitality that made one feel special.  Those who knew her will remember her to have been a prolific reader, seemingly the only time she took for herself.  It was common to find her on the couch in the living room, in front of the bay window, blanket in tow, coffee in hand, diving into the newest spy novel with vigor.  And who could forget her companions over the years during those sessions:  whether the lhasa, shh-tzu or later french mastiff, each lovingly sat with Bernadette on that couch, content to be with her, as if protecting her from the very characters she eagerly read about. 

Later on in life, she found a career at the Windsor School in Pompton Lakes, New Jersey, an institution that she would hold near and dear to her heart.  The time, dedication, passion and love she showed to all those she worked with was both remarkable and enviable.  Fiercely loyal and independent, Bernadette worked at Windsor until two weeks prior to her passing. 

Bernadette is survived by her sisters, Patricia and Irene, her children Edward, Patrick, and Kathleen, her brother-in-law Bob, her daughter-in-law Courtney, her son-in-law Rich, and her grandchildren Jack, Luke, and Riley.  She was predeceased by her parents John (Gus) and Emily Gusciora, her husband Edward, and her brother-in-law Fred.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 14th from 3-6 PM at Van Emburgh-Sneider-Pernice Funeral Home, 109 Darlington Avenue, Ramsey, New Jersey. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an organization that bears the name of her most beloved saint.  Bernadette wore a small St. Jude medal every day of her life, and had it with her when she passed. 

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