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SMOLCHEK BERNADETTE E. BERNIE June 17, 1939, to Oct. 5, 2014, Bernadette "Bernie" (McClelland) Smolchek, 75, passed away at her home at Hawthorne Village of Sarasota Health and Rehab, Sarasota, Florida on October 5, 2014. Bernie was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and was the beloved daughter of the late Theckla Ketterer McClelland and James McClelland, Sr. of McKees Rocks, PA. Bernadette was the loving and devoted wife of her predeceased husband, Michael "Jim" Smolchek, Sr. She is survived by her children, Margaret Ferrino of Sarasota, Michael Smolchek, Jr., and Paul (Tamara) Smolchek, both of Wellington, Florida, and Karen Brady (Scott) of Virginia; she leaves seven beautiful grandchildren, Christopher Fahrny, Stephanie Muscati, Zachary, Johnathan and Kaitlin Brady, and Ryan and Olivia Smolchek. As Bernadette takes her rightful place next to her beloved Jim, she leaves behind her devoted sister, Margaret "Peg" Moore; and youngest brother, Robert "David" McClelland (Charlotte); as well as her loving sister-in-law, Rosemary Smolchek Bradley (Tom). She was predeceased by her brothers, Jim and Richard McClelland (Bobbie). Bernie loved and leaves many in-laws, nieces, and friends. She will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her warm smile, and generous spirit. Her greatest joy was having had the opportunity to stay at home and raise her four children, and, after moving to Sarasota, she began a successful 27 year career with Burdines Department Store at South Gate Mall. Bernie was known for her baking and cooking talent which she lovingly passed on to her children and grandchildren. Bernie's love and constant support and guidance of her children was second only to the enormous affection and pride she felt towards her seven grandchildren who knew her as their "Grammy". The family invites family and friends to a Catholic Memorial Mass for Bernadette at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 2506 Gulf Gate Dr., Sarasota, FL, at 9:30 a.m., Friday, October 10, 2014, followed immediately by a brunch reception in the church fellowship center. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to a memorial fund that will benefit children in need, set up in Bernadette's memory. Please make checks payable to Hawthorne Village Health and Rehab and indicate "Children's Angel Fund" in the memo line. Donations may be mailed to Hawthorne Village of Sarasota, c/o Children's Angel Fund, 5381 Desoto Rd., Sarasota, FL 34235. Guestbook: www.wiegandbrothers.com Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb
