Imagine a life in which you could have a positive impact on hundreds of children during their most formative years. One during which the glass was always half-full. Where your smile and infectious laughter could light up a room and just make people feel better for being around you. Such was the legacy of Bernadette Maschak, who passed quietly from this earthly life June 17, 2020.
Bernadette was born Sept. 14, 1960, and was a lifelong resident of Northeast Ohio. She grew up in Parma, where she attended Normandy High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Cleveland State in 1982. Bernadette devoted the next 37 years of her life to teaching elementary school children in the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, first at St. Barnabas in Northfield, and then for the last 33 years at All Saints of St. John Vianney in Wickliffe. A Catholic of strong faith, teaching was a calling for her and her students adored her for her passion, kindness and dedication.
Bernadette loved nature, gardening, Lake Erie and the outdoors. She was an avid hiker, enjoyed boating, music, and was a die-hard Cleveland Indians fan. She was eternally optimistic, cheerful, and always ready for a new adventure. She had an infectious laugh and was full of life. Her passing leaves a great void in our hearts.
She is survived by her parents, Louis and Euphrasia (nee Moorman) Maschak; sister, Marguerite (Steve) Abdenour; brothers, David Maschak, Greg (Jeanine) Maschak, Mark Maschak, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 26, at McMahon-Coyne-Vitantonio Funeral Home, 6330 Center St. (Route 615, north of Route 2), in Mentor, where physical distancing will be observed. Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Saturday, June 27, 2020, at St. John Vianney Church, 7575 Bellflower Road, Mentor. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery in Valley City.
To leave condolences for the family visit www.MCVfuneralhomes.com.