Obituary of Bernice J. McHale

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Bernice McHale.  Please keep Barney and her family in your prayers and check back soon for complete obituary.

Bernice McHale, Longtime Denville Resident

Bernice Joan Frances McHale (nee Gumbrecht) passed peacefully on Wednesday, June 19, 2019.  She shared 82 years of love and faith with her family.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 22^nd at 10:00 am at her parish, St. Mary’s RC Church, Denville.  Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.  Friends and relatives may visit on Friday, June 21st from 4-8 pm at the Norman Dean Home For Services, 16 Righter Ave., Denville.  Donations in her memory may be made to the good work of the ALS Association by way of www.inmemof.org

Born at home in Jersey City, Bernice was one of six children to bless the family.  In High School she met Joe McHale, a young man who had just returned home from the service.  After a three year courtship they married and moved to Clifton. A few years later they settled in Denville where they have resided for over 52 years.  Together they raised their children in this great community and formed lasting friendships.  Bernice worked for many years at the County College of Morris as their budget coordinator and manager of office services.  After “retirement” she kept busy as a part time biller for two physicians in Morristown.  She was an active longtime parishioner of St. Mary’s, a Eucharistic Minister since 1985, Right to Life Member and a devoted volunteer for St. Mary’s “MASH” Meals on Wheels.  Both Bernice and her husband Joe were recipients of the Bishops “Vivere Christi” Award. 

Bernice especially enjoyed each Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.  They surely were her favorites.  But above everything, her family was her world.  The sun rose and set on her children and grandchildren and she loved watching each sporting event!  Most recently, she was crowned “Great Grandma” to two little ones. She adored them and everyone knew it.  Although we are saddened by her passing, we take comfort in knowing she is at peace and watching over her family with love.

She leaves beautiful memories to her loving husband Joseph of 61 years; her children Geralyn “Geri” Di Rupo (Paul), Joseph Jr. (Lauren), Robert (Becky) and Matthew (Lora); her grandchildren Cori Mazzacca (Dan), Chad Di Rupo, Joseph, Laurel, Jenna, Matthew and Brendan McHale, Brianna Kesslick and Ross & Blake Armstrong; her great granddaughters Gianna and Amelia; and many more dear relatives and treasured friends.  As a young woman, Barney lost three babies.  We remember them and all of her siblings Carl, Arthur, Paul and Gerard Gumbrecht and Dolores Schifano who passed previously.