Born In Jersey City, New Jersey, Bernice graduated from the Academy of St Aloyisus in Jersey City, and Ladycliff College in Highland Falls, New York. The beautiful grounds of the college along the Hudson River are now a part of The US Military Academy at West Point.

After graduation, she taught at St. Joseph’s School in Keyport, and Atlantic Highlands Elementary School.

Her family had a summer home in Atlantic Highlands and relocated there permanently in the early 50s.

She met Walter Waldron when he was a lifeguard at the Sandlass Beach Club in Sea Bright.

In December of 1955, Bernice packed her wedding gown, boarded the SS United States and sailed to Germany where she married Walter, who was stationed in Munich while with the Army.  They traveled Europe for almost a year before returning to Atlantic Highlands to start a family.

They welcomed 5 children: Kerry, Raymond, Regina, Sheila and Catharine (Katie).  In 1967, the family moved to Colts Neck, where there was a bit more room for growing kids.  Over the years, the family grew to include spouses whom she loved as her own, including Carl Nolan (Kerry); Anita Waldron (Raymond); Brian Robinson (Regina); and Robert Cerullo (Katie). Her grandchildren – Christopher, Gina, Michaela, John, Kathleen, Dana, Raymond, Kenzie, Kevin, Ellen, Mary Kate, Abigail, John, and Kristen were the joys of her life. She recently celebrated the arrival of her first great-grandchild, Theodore, and was excited to meet her second great grandson in August.

Bernice was a creative, fearless and enthusiastic cook who loved sharing her treats with friends and family (and we loved eating everything) – with a particular shoutout to her world-famous cheesecake and brownies. She rediscovered her love of painting in recent years, especially landscapes, seascapes, and the ever-elusive tulip.  She didn’t shy away from lively and informed political discussions, had good, solid advice for anyone who asked, and once said that she couldn’t help herself  if “Uptown Funk” was played at a wedding reception, she HAD to dance. She was passionate about showing her children and grandchildren the world, taking them to China, Russia, Ireland and the Canary Islands, among other places. Her favorite trip was with her husband to Barbados.

She was predeceased by her husband Walter and sister Patricia Mackin. She is survived by her sister Regina Corley, her children, grandchildren and great-grandson.

Family and friends are invited to join us at Holmdel Funeral Home 26 South Holmdel Road, Holmdel NJ beginning at 10am Thursday, June 1, followed by burial at St. Gabriel’s Cemetery in Marlboro, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, stjude.org or to Planned Parenthood, plannedparenthood.org.