Marion Heights – Bernadine Witowski of 113 Warsaw St. was born on February 17, 1934 in Shamokin, daughter of the late Clara (Grsyskiewicz) and Benjamin "Buck" Povish. In 1951 she graduated from Coal Township High School. Married July 28, 1951 to August Witowski in St. Stephen's Church, Shamokin.

Member of Our Lady of Patronage Church, Marion Heights, where she volunteered and former member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Marion Heights. Employed in garment factories for 36 years. In 1987 she was employed by Northumberland County as manager of the Trevorton Senior Action Center, then transferred to Kulpmont Senior Action Center. In 1990 she became Supervisor of eleven Senior Action Centers and also served as Prime-Time Health Coordinator, then transferred to Volunteer Resource Coordinator until her retirement in 2003.

In 1985 she was elected as the first woman Mayor of Marion Heights, where she continued until 1990. While serving office she worked on the steering committee to form the mayor's roundtable, where she served as Treasurer and was recognized by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for her efforts.

In 1999 she was honored by Ashland Regional Hospital with the "Outstanding Community Service Award" and by Northumberland County Commissioners, who echoed the sentiments of the ARMC Leadership, also by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Bernadine loved people, loved life, and always took time to listen to a question or complaint when she served as Vice President and Chairlady of the Local 185 International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union, she also served on the executive committee of five County United Labor Executive Boards. Served nine years as secretary working with St. Casimir's Catholic Youth Organization, where she was honored for service rendered. She also volunteered for St. Jude's Bike-A-Thon, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and baseball teams for youths. As member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church she served as solicitor and Chaplin of the Rosary Society and was a member of the Polish Cultural Society. She served on the American Red Cross Board of Directors, taught First Aid classes to youth and adults, and also coordinated blood-mobiles for the Red Cross. She served on the advisory board of Family Medical Home Health. She was a gold Card Member of the West End Fire Company in Kulpmont, where she held numerous offices. Also served as secretary of the Auxiliary of Marion Heights Fire Company. Served as Secretary of the Class of 1951 of Coal Township High School. She was a member and volunteer for many Senior Action Centers.

Bernie is survived by her children, Diane Pilarski and husband, Edmund of Maxatawny; Denise Boyer and husband, Michael and August Witowski and wife, Kelly; all of which are of Marion Heights. She has 7 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents; a sister Eva who died at birth; two sisters, Veronica Bogus and Marlene Zlocki; and two brothers, Edward and Raymond Povish. She was the last immediate member of her family.

Burial will be private and held at the convenience of the family. In my memory: say a prayer, play a polka, and have a beverage of your choice. Donate to your favorite charity. I also want to thank my family who have offered so much love and support. Arrangements are in care of C. J. Lucas Funeral Home Inc., 1053 Chestnut St., Kulpmont, PA 17834. To send condolences to the family please visit www.cjlucasfuneralhome.com