Obituary of Catherine Veronica Bercik

Catherine Veronica Clark Bercik, 85 formerly of Elizabeth and recently living in Cranford, died peacefully at home on June 6, 2008 surrounded by family and loved ones. Catherine was born on June 8, 1921 in Jersey City, NJ to Samuel and Mary Clark. She was the youngest of four children; her siblings were Harry, William and Rose, who preceeded her in death. Catherine attended parochial school in Jersey City, graduated from St. Michaels High School, Union City and from John Marshall Business School. Catherine married Steven J. Bercik, July 15, 1943 in Pensacola, FL. They were married almost 60 years at the time of his death in 2003. Catherine's family was the focus of her life. She had 10 children to whom she devoted most of her time and energy and she shared her husband Steve's life of public service. After she raised her children she also worked as an administrative assistant at Runnel's Memorial Rehabilitation Center and in her sons' medical offices. She chaired the committee for the rebuilding of the Benedictine Motherhouse in Elizabeth, and was a volunteer Director for the Visiting Nurses Association of Union County. Catherine was an avid reader, enjoyed the Sunday New York Times Crossword puzzle, and displayed uncommon kindness, intelligence, beauty, and humor to all who knew her. She took great joy from babies throughout her life. Catherine is predeceased by her daughter, Elizabeth, who died in infancy and her spouse, Steven J. Bercik, Esq. who served as mayor of Elizabeth, Commissioner of the bi-state Waterfront Commission, and Family Court Judge for Union County. Catherine is survived by her children and their spouses: Steven J. Bercik, Jr.,Esq., Elizabeth, NJ; Anne-Marie Bercik, Ph.D. and, John L Osmer, Maitland, Fl. ,Patricia Kirkowski and John Kirkowski,D.O., ,Canton, PA; Michael J. Bercik., M.D. Cranford, NJ ;Mary Ellen Bercik and Phil Nies, Sunnyvale, CA;Robert Bercik, M.D. and Bridget, Basking Ridge,NJ; Kevin Bercik,D.O. and Shelby, Powell, OH, Richard Bercik,M.D. and Nancy, Fairfield, CN; and Jean Marie O'Toole and Paul, Basking Ridge NJ, 23 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Higgins Funeral Home, Watchung,NJ, with visitation hours 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 pm Monday, June 9.Funeral Mass will be held at St. James Roman Catholic Church inBasking Ridge, at 10:00 am Tuesday, June10followed, by a graveside ceremony at St.Mary's Cemetery, Watchung. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Judes Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To send condolences, please go to www.higginsfuneralhome.com.