Bernadette M. (Burns) Couwels

Bernadette M. (Burns) Couwels, age 76, beloved wife of the late Charles R. Couwels, passed away on Saturday, September 12th, 2020 at Taylor Hospice in Ridley Park, PA.

Born on Feb. 20, 1944 in Philadelphia. She was the daughter of the late George R. and Mary (McCann) Burns.

Bernadette grew up in St. Barnabas Parish and was a 1962 graduate of West Catholic High School for Girls.  She worked at Bell Telephone before becoming a mom and then continued to stay at home to raise her children. She enjoyed being a homemaker, volunteering at St. Barnabas as a lunch mother and librarian.  She was an avid reader and enjoyed spending everyday with her family, especially her grandchildren.

She was the devoted mother of Charles R. Jr. (late Janice), Bernadette (Bill) Huhn, Kathleen (Steve) Venit, and Christine (Michael) McNeill.  Also survived by her loving grandchildren: Grace Venit, William Huhn, Timothy Culin-Couwels, Matthew Huhn, Bernadette “Bonnie” Huhn, Steven Venit, Michael McNeill, Thomas Venit, Chloe McNeill, Charlotte McNeill, Sharon Bosard and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whom she loved like siblings.

In addition to her parents and husband, she is predeceased by her brother, George Burns and her sister, Mary Delores “Bunny” Burns.

On Monday, September 21, 2020, at St. Barnabas Church, 6300 Buist Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19142, family and friends are invited to attend the viewing from 9:30am-10:45am and Mass which will follow at 11am.  Burial at Saints Peter and Paul cemetery in Springfield, PA.