Bernadette Kathleen Bliss

GARDNER - Bernadette Kathleen (Kelley) Bliss, 76, passed away on Friday with her children at her side. Kathy was born February 11, 1943, to the parents of James B. Kelley, Jr. and Josephine (Bourgault) Kelley and lived in Gardner all her life. She graduated from Sacred Heart School and was a 1961 Pro Merito graduate of Gardner High School. She worked at several places throughout her life including Simplex, Mass Electric, and Heywood Memorial Hospital. Her longest tenure was with the Gardner Superintendent of Schools Office as Senior Account Clerk –Payroll for 23 years. After her retirement from the Gardner School Department she worked part-time for the Gardner Chamber of Commerce, Gardner City Hall, and was last employed at the Overlook Middle School. Kathy enjoyed quilting and piecing, knitting, gardening and making crafts for her home. She was especially fond of decorating for the different seasons and holidays, especially Christmas. She was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church. She was a member and volunteer at the Gardner Museum and was a previous committee member for the Festival of Trees. She enjoyed her travels to such places as Florida, Canada, California, Ireland, and South Korea to visit with family and friends. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 32 years, David E. Bliss, who passed away on June 23, 1999. She is survived by two sons, James D. Bliss and his wife Joy of Gardner; Craig N. Bliss of Seoul, South Korea; and one daughter, Karen L. Bliss of Charlestown, RI. She leaves two grandchildren, Meghan M. Bliss of Medford, MA and Philip C. Bliss of Seoul, South Korea; and her brother James F. Kelley and his wife Karen of Westminster, MA. She also leaves behind several cousins, sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends. Relatives and friends are invited to attend services for Kathleen on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 11 a.m. in the Mack Family Funeral Home 105 Central St., Gardner. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery, Gardner. Calling hours will be held Friday, May 3, 2019 from 5 - 7 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Kathleen's memory to your favorite charity. To send an online condolence please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com. Mack Family Funeral Home 105 Central St., Gardner is assisting with arrangements.