Bernadine Ann Kovalchik

Bernadine Ann Kovalchik, 98, died on April 18, 2026, at Greenbriar Assisted Living in Dallas. She spent many years at Greenbriar and received exceptional care there. The staff at Greenbriar, led by dedicated nurse manager Cheryl Howach, cared for our mother as if she were their own. In addition, many warm thanks must be expressed to Dr. Nirode Das for his decades of compassionate care as Bernadine and her husband's personal care physician and cardiologist.

Bernadine was born, raised, and educated in Larksville. She was the youngest of eight children of Thomas and Mary Kovaleski. Bernadine lost her father to pneumonia when she was two years of age, probably the result of his work as a miner. She was given the nickname of Bunny by a kindly nun, her grade school teacher. Bernadine related that she really loved school and the friendships she formed there. Bunny's sister, Stella, a World War II widow and forever empath, was instrumental in raising our mom to be the unusually good person she was. Stella's daughter, Mary, became like a loving sister to Bunny. Stella imparted grace to our mother, and we will always be grateful for this gift. After high school, Bunny and her best friend, Dolores Drust, married brothers Nicholas and Andrew.

It was 1950, and Bunny was 23 years old when she married Nicholas Kovalchik. Our mother became an Air Force spouse and spent the next 18 years supporting our father's career. She raised two children, Marc and Donna, while making homes in five US states, Madrid, and  on Okinawa. Our mother's ability to make friends was a trait that she shared with our father. Friends became surrogate family as communication with relatives back home was rare or non-existent. Bunny's patience, resilience, and camaraderie helped her family to persevere through many challenges over those years.

Bernadine returned to Pennsylvania with her family in 1968, just after learning of the death of her best friend, Dolores. Bunny helped Dolores' children and formed affectionate relationships with them. Over the years, our mother remained a great family resource and hostess. She maintained her warm, caring attitude through family crises and successes. Not only was Bernadine the kind of mother every child should have and cherish, but she also became the quintessential grandmother.

Bernadine additionally became a professional bingo player (chronically despised by many vanquished losers), a terrific cook, a great baker, a humorous pal, a comfort to many, a bona fide dog lover, and most of all, a giver. Our mother nurtured our father for years as his devoted caregiver. Her warmth continued to shine throughout her last years at Greenbriar, where she loved the staff, and they loved her. Bunny had grace and was, no doubt, one of God's creative triumphs.

Her husband Nicholas Kovalchik died on June 3, 2015. Her daughter-in-law, Alison Miller Kovalchik, as well as seven brothers and sisters, also preceded her in death.

Her son Marc and his wife Mary Kovalchik of Shavertown; daughter Donna and her husband Dave Henry of Madison, Alabama; grandchildren Jacob, Alexandra, Marc, and Beth; great-grandchildren Lukas, Elise, and Leon Nicholas; and other family and friends will miss her very much.

Bernadine's family celebrates her life privately.

Share memories and condolences with Bernadine's family at mjmclaughlin.com