Bernadette Cieciuch passed away on May 17, 2025. She was born on November 23, 1933. Her late husband was Richard T. Cieciuch. She is survived by her children: Valerie Cieciuch Lewis, Richard Cieciuch Jr.,(and his spouse Michelle Kodis, Cathy Welsh (and her spouse Tim Welsh), Stephen Cieciuch (and his spouse Kendall Cieciuch), and Liz Gillen (and her spouse Stephen Gillen). She was predeceased by her brother, Frank Mazane Jr. Bernadette was a proud grandmother of 14 grandchildren: James Raguette, Ryan Welsh, Alexandra MacDonald, Sarah Welsh, Andrew Marshall Cieciuch, Danielle Sullivan, Christian Gillen, Matthew Welsh, Brett Marshall Cieciuch, Grace Gillen, Owen Welsh, Hannah Cieciuch Lewis, Jula Cieciuch, and Ruby Cieciuch, and four great-grandchildren.

Bernadette graduated from the High School of Music and Art in New York City, a renowned institution known for its artistic excellence. She was a gifted accordionist and pianist, and in 1953, she won the "Chance of a Lifetime" talent show. She passed on the gift of music to her children and grandchildren, who are eternally grateful.

Bernadette met the love of her life, Richard, on a blind date arranged by a mutual music teacher. They married on December 3, 1955. While Richard served as a First Lieutenant in the US Army as a Communications Officer, they welcomed their first child, Valerie, in Germany. In 1958, Bernadette and Richard moved to New York, settling in Yonkers, where their next two children, Richard and Cathy, were born. Their family grew again in 1961 with the birth of Stephen in Houston, Texas, where Richard worked as a regional manager for Scandinavian Airlines Systems. The family eventually settled on Long Island in 1965, when their youngest child, Elizabeth, was born.

Bernadette was deeply involved in the Saint Dominic's community in Oyster Bay. For over 30 years, she shared her artistic talents as the organist for family mass, with Richard serving as the cantor. In January 1974, Bernadette and Richard embarked on a business venture, opening Rich-Bern Travel Agency in Oyster Bay, which they successfully ran for over 35 years.

Beyond her musical contributions and business acumen, Bernadette was a woman of faith who lived her beliefs through action. She taught piano, served as a Eucharistic Minister, was heavily involved in Marriage Encounter, and became a Pre-Cana instructor. She was also an accomplished golfer, achieving the title of four-time club champion at the Oyster Bay Golf Club. Her love for music continued as the keyboard player for the entertaining five-piece band at The Glen in Ridge, Long Island. In her later years, she was a beloved resident of the Sunrise assisted living community in Huntington, where she was known as an avid reader, devout and faithful friend.

Bernadette will always be remembered as a kind, gentle, fun-loving, tender-hearted, generous, and caring mother, grandmother, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Family will receive friends Thursday 4-8 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial Friday 12 noon Chapel of St Dominic R.C.C.

In lieu of flowers family requests donations to the Dominican Sisters of Hope 299 N. Highland Avenue Ossining, NY 10562

https://ophope.org/

Cremation Private.