Obituary of Bernadette M. Klumbach
It is with great sadness our family shares the loss of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister-in-law, aunt and friend, Bernadette Mary Klumbach, 87, of Freehold, NJ who passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. She was born and raised in Staten Island with her four siblings, attended St. Margaret Mary’s School, St Peter’s Girls High School, and worked in Manhattan as an Executive Assistant. Then she met Harry, the love of her life, at a high school dance, married and began their adventure of raising six children.
Together they lived in Staten Island for 60 years, then retired to Red Bank, NJ for 20 years and then relocated to Freehold, NJ in 2017.
Bernadette’s life was blessed with numerous accomplishments and highlights, but her true joy was spending time with her family, golfing and singing. While on Staten Island she was the resident soloist for weddings and funerals at St. Sylvesters Church. Bernadette was a devoted mother and held the distinguished title of “Stay-at-Home Mom” for many years. While all six children were in school, she happily joined a bowling league, only to master the sport and hold several executive positions. As her children grew up and moved out of the house, she decided to take up golfing. In Bernadette’s words, “If you can’t beat them, join them” referring to being able to golf with her husband Harry. Much to her surprise she was an exceptional golfer, as reflected in her achievement of hitting two Holes-In-One at the Silvette’s Golf Club in Staten Island, where she held several Executive positions and finally achieved the title of President. After moving to NJ, she went on to play at Spring Meadow Golf Club, where she also served as President.
Bernadette succeeded in all that she set out to do. Her warm smile, quiet but confident demeanor made her a great confidant, trustworthy friend, and person worthy of holding positions of high esteem.
Life was not always easy for Bernadette but being a devout Catholic, she always counted on the Lord to help guide her through life’s many challenges. Attending Catholic grammar and high schools, only enriched and fortified her Catholic faith which provided her comfort raising six children, with God as her wingman. Being a parishioner of St. Sylvester Church in Staten Island, St. Leo’s Church in Lincroft, and the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine in Freehold Township continued to strengthen her faith and resolve.
Bernadette’s final years were spent fighting the horrific disease of Alzheimer’s. She fought a mean battle but succumbed to it. Her last two and half years were spent at Monmouth Crossing Assisted Living in Freehold with her dedicated and compassionate aide, Joan. Alzheimer’s robbed Bernadette of her voice but never her spirit! She blessed everyone she encountered with her infectious smile. Going home to the Lord will enable her to sing his praises once again.
Bernadette was predeceased by her beloved husband of 64 years, Harold “Harry” Klumbach, Jr.; parents, James and Dorothy Mann Corey; brothers, James Corey (Hilda), and Gerard Corey (Gayle Davis Corey); and sisters, Marion Joan McIntyre (Edward) and Dorothy Hueber (William) and in-laws Rose Duval (Norman) and Ginger Joergens.
Bernadette is survived by her children, Kathy Lo Bue (Anthony) of Freehold, NJ, Mary Beth Garnett (Robert) of Staten Island, NY, Joseph Klumbach (Mary) of Spring Brook Township, PA, Bernadette Boyatzies (James) of Pittsford, NY, Harold Klumbach (Kristine) of Staten Island, NY, and John Klumbach (Shasta) of Las Vegas, NV; 12 grandchildren (Jonathan Klumbach, Michael Garnett (Emily), Shawn Lo Bue (Lisa), Christopher Lo Bue (Ashley), James Boyatzies (Bri), Cory Lo Bue (Martha), Thomas Boyatzies, John Garnett, Harry James Klumbach, Dylan Klumbach, Raquel Klumbach & Ben Ward); one great granddaughter, Emilia; sister-in-law, Mary Lou Curotto (Richard); brother-in-law, Donald Klumbach (Angie), and brother-in-law, Donald Joergens. Bernadette also left behind numerous nieces and nephews who she loved dearly.
Eternal rest grant unto her, oh Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her 12:00 PM Funeral Mass on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine, 61 Georgia Road, Freehold Township. Interment will take place on Monday, April 29, 2024 at 11:30 AM in Brigadier General William C. Doyle New Jersey Veteran Cemetery, 350 Province Line Road, Arneytown. All arrangements are under the direction of the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, Freehold Township. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Interfaith Caregivers of Greater Mercer County, 3635 Quaker Bridge Road, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619 (https://www.icgmc.org) or Staten Island Council for Animal Welfare, P.O. Box 120125, Staten Island, NY 10312-0125 (https://www.sicawsaves.org)
For information, directions, or to leave condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com
