Bernadine M. Schumaker, 84, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, died Dec. 17, 2023, in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township.

She and her husband, Donald R. Schumaker Sr. of Orefield, shared 66 wonderful years of marriage since their marriage on Nov. 16, 1957.

Born Jan. 17, 1939, in Allentown, she was the daughter of the late John P. and Marie C. Sutjak (Gurgick).

She was a lifelong member of St. John the Baptist Slovak Catholic Church, Allentown.

She attended St. John the Baptist Church grade school and graduated from Allentown Central Catholic High School in 1956.

She began her professional journey as a key punch operator at Mack Trucks, and, later, pursued a career in computer programming, earning her degree from Lehigh Carbon Community College.

She went on to have a successful career contributing her skills to Capital Blue Cross, Gould Inc. and Harleysville Insurance companies.

A dedicated member of the service community, she was a member of the Kuhnsville Area Lioness Club and served as treasurer for several years.

An avid ballroom dancer, she participated with her husband in the Cotillion Dance Club and the U.S. Amateur Ballroom Dancers Association.

Together, they enjoyed the art of dance and created lasting memories together on the dance floor.

Her adventurous spirit led her to travel the world, embracing diverse cultures and creating cherished moments with her family.

She was a loving sister to Marion J. O’Neil (Dennis) and brother John S. Sutjak (Rebecca).

She was predeceased by her sister Johanna Malinowski (Stanley).

In her cherished role as a dedicated mother, she is survived by her children Donald R. Schumaker Jr., Melodie M. Stinner (Edward), Richard J. Schumaker, and Mary K. Cargo (James).

She leaves behind a profound legacy of love and warmth that extends to her beloved grandchildren Donald Jr.’s children Donald R. Schumaker III (Tiffani), Gavin R. Schumaker, and Abigail R. Schumaker; Melodie’s children Deanna M. Stinner Moussa (Ramie) and Kyle E. Stinner; Richard’s son Keith R. Schumaker (Tasha); and Mary’s son - Alexander J. Cargo.

Her great-grandchildren include Keith’s daughters Hailey and Addalyne, and Donald III’s children David, Reagyn, Kylor and Lita.

The most recent addition to the family is her great-great-grandchild, Jasper Park, son of David.

In the final years of her life, she faced the challenges of Parkinson’s disease with strength and resilience.

To honor her memory and contribute to the fight against Parkinson’s, the family requests donations to be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or to St. John the Baptist Slovak Catholic Church, c/o Kohut Funeral Home, Allentown.

She will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and unwavering love for her family.

May she rest in peace, and may her legacy continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.