Bernadette Ryan Smotrys, 97, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2023 at her home in Glenside, PA.

Bernadette was the daughter of Daniel and Catherine Ryan of Pittsburgh, PA.  Bernadette was also predeceased by her loving husband of 54 years, Chester Smotrys, her sister Elizabeth and her brother Regis.  She is survived by five children, Cathryn Johnson (Timothy), Mary Rita, Susan, Christine and Paul (Mie), grandchildren, Lauren Wochok (Todd), Otto and great grandson, Brayden, as well as several nieces and nephews.

As a newlywed, Bernadette moved to Philadelphia and along with her husband opened a grocery store in the Kensington section of the city. Chester and Bonnie were the perfect example of a team working together, side by side both in the store and at home as they raised five children. Although the store evolved over time, it remained a valuable asset to the community for well over 50 years.

Widowed in 1999, with quiet courage Bernadette started a new chapter of her life when she moved to Glenside and became an active parishioner of St. Luke the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church.  With her kind and caring nature, she made friends easily and joined The Over Fifty Club at St. Luke's.   She enjoyed participating in monthly meetings, trips to the casino and holiday luncheons with her Over Fifty Club friends. She also volunteered for many years as a hall monitor and school library assistant at St. Lukes Catholic Elementary School.

Bernadette was an eleven-year breast cancer survivor who loved going to weekly mass, family dinners, history, reading biographies, watching old movies, listening to music, trips to New York City, attending her grandson Otto's concerts and cheering on her great-grandson Brayden at his many sports games.

But first and foremost, she was a devoted wife, a wonderful mother, a proud grandmother and an enthusiastic great-grandmother.  She had a long and full life.  She will remain in our hearts and will be missed every day.

Relatives and friends are invited on Tuesday January 17th, Visitation from 10 to 11 AM with Funeral Mass to begin at 11:00 AM at St. Luke the Evangelist Church, 2316 Fairhill Ave., Glenside, PA.  Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Saint Luke Catholic School Library, 2336 Fairhill Avenue, Glenside, PA 19038