Sr. Bernadette Michael Makely OP Obituary (1927 - 2020)

Sr. Bernadette Michael Makely, OP, a member of the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Caldwell for 76 years died peacefully at St. Catherine of Siena Healthcare Center in Caldwell, NJ on December 3, 2020 at the age of 93. Sister's burial is private. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at a later date. Condolences may be left at www.proutfuneralhome.com. Sister Bernadette Michael was a prayerful and kind woman who served her God and Congregation faithfully for 76 years. Born in North Braddock, PA, Sister Bernadette Michael first learned of God's unconditional love for her from the two most influential people in her life, her parents, Michael and Sophia Makely. Sister entered the Dominican Sisters of Caldwell on August 30, 1944; received the Dominican habit on March 7, 1945; made first profession on April 30, 1946 and final profession on April 30, 1952. Sister earned her BA in Social Studies/Education from Caldwell College (Caldwell University) and pursued studies at the University of Pittsburgh in Library Science. Sister was a devoted teacher at St. Brigid's in North Bergen, St. Elizabeth's in Linden, Sacred Heart in Dover, St. Therese's in Paterson, St. Joseph's in Union City, St. Aloysius in Caldwell, Our Lady of Peace in New Providence, Sts. Peter and Paul in Hoboken and St. Joseph in Toms River. Sister was also a Superior/Principal at Our Lady of the Lake in Verona and St. Boniface in Jersey City. Sister served as librarian at Union Catholic High School in Scotch Plains, St. Mary High School in Rutherford and St. Denis in Manasquan. Upon retirement, Sister lived in Jersey City and Delray Beach, FL before moving to St. Catherine Healthcare Center in Caldwell. Sister was predeceased by her parents, Michael and Sophia (nee Swagus) Makely and her sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Makely Policay. Sister is survived by her nephews, Thomas Policay (Barbara) and Kevin Policay (Barbara); nieces, Mary Ann Hart (Paul) and Beth Hass (Eric); many Grandnieces & Grandnephews; her good friend, Sr. Barbara Duffy, OP; and her loving Sisters of St. Dominic. Donations to the Sisters of St. Dominic, One Ryerson Avenue, Caldwell, NJ 07006 in Sister's memory would be appreciated.