Bernadine V. Lizza

August 17, 2023

Bernadine V. Lizza, 83 of Yatesville, passed away Thursday afternoon, August 17, 2023 at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital after a long courageous 20-year battle against vascular dementia.

Born in Plains Township on June 20, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Anthony J. and Mary E. (Kovalick) Magdalinski.

Bernie was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School, Plains, Class of 1958, and was a loving and caring homemaker all of her life.

Bernie was an exceptional woman, a kind and compassionate soul who lived her life by example. Everyone who knew her was touched by her selflessness and her heart of gold. Her generosity knew no bounds, as she was always thinking of others and extending help without hesitation. She had an uncanny ability to make everyone feel seen, valued, and loved.

One of the things that endeared Bernie to so many was her delightful tendency to mix up sayings and quotes. It was a joy to be in her company, as we never knew what humorous twist she might give to a familiar phrase. Among her many talents, Bernie had a passion for ceramics. She would create and gift beautiful pieces of art and generously shared her skill by hosting classes for children in the town.

Even in the face of her declining health, Bernie remained a beacon of positivity and strength. She was a reminder that happiness can be found in the simplest moments. Her unwavering optimism in the face of adversity will continue to inspire us. Rest in peace, Bernie. Your love and light will be cherished and remembered.

She was preceded in death by her husband Anthony “Butch” Lizza, the love of her life, on March 27, 2021, sisters, Eleanor Lynch and her husband Michael; Anne Marek and her husband Norman; Marie MacDougall and her husband Michael; Rose Stegmueller and her husband Fred; Christine Piechota, and Dorothy Corcoran; brothers Joseph, Anthony, Frank, and Charlie Magdalinski.

Surviving are her children: son and daughter-in-law Anthony Lizza and Olga (Kuhay) Lizza, son and daughter-in-law Robert and Donna (LaBar) Lizza, son and daughter-in-law James and Mary (Wincek) Lizza, son and daughter-in-law Christopher and Teresa (LoBrutto) Lizza, daughter and son-in-law Maria and Russell Bowen; Grandchildren Briana Lizza, AJ Lizza, Natalie Lizza, James Lizza, Ariana Lizza, Sam Lizza, Carlena Lizza, Sophia Lizza, Nathan Bowen, Benjamin Bowen, Lucas Bowen; Great grandchildren James Rail IV, Laylah McClellan, Avery Rail, Adeline Rail, Jackie Rail, Layne Toomey, Jhett Rail, and Lydia Toomey, sister Theresa Magdalinski, brother David Magdalinski, many nieces and nephews.

A special thanks to Janice, Mary, and Lela for their incredible dedication, love, and unwavering support during the last several years of Bernadine’s life.

A private viewing and funeral service was held for immediate family members. Burial will follow at St. John the Evangelist Cemetery in Pittston, PA.  Arrangements entrusted to the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains, PA  18705.