Bernadine Malinoski, a respected nurse and military veteran, passed away on August 28, 2025, at the age of 98. Her final days were spent at the Horsham Center for Jewish Life in Horsham, Pennsylvania. Malinoski’s life was marked by extensive contributions to nursing and public health, alongside her dedicated service in the military.
Born on August 16, 1927, in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, Bernadine was the daughter of the late John and Frances Malinoski. She graduated from J. W. Cooper High School in 1944 and earned her nursing diploma from Thomas Jefferson School of Nursing in Philadelphia in 1948. Her academic journey continued with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Boston College and culminated in a doctorate in Public Health Nursing from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Malinoski’s military career began during World War II when she served as an Army-Air Corps flight nurse. She later transitioned to the Air Force during the Korean War, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1980. Her distinguished service included a role with the 69th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, for which she received the U.S. Air Force Commendation Medal for her meritorious service.
Throughout her career, Malinoski held significant positions in nursing education and public health. She directed education and nursing services in Philadelphia and contributed to public health organizations in Maryland. As an educator, she shared her expertise in Public Health Nursing at esteemed institutions such as the University of Michigan and Penn State University. She also authored numerous publications on nursing, further solidifying her reputation in the field.
Beyond her professional achievements, Malinoski was deeply involved in her community, maintaining a strong connection to the St. Casimir Roman Catholic Church in Shenandoah. Her legacy is cherished by family and friends, including her sister-in-law Roseanne Malinoski and several nieces and nephews, who remember her with great affection.
The funeral arrangements for Bernadine Malinoski have been set for September 3rd. A visitation will take place from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at the Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc. in Shenandoah, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at the Divine Mercy Parish Sacred Worship Site – St. Casimir’s. The service will be officiated by Msgr. Ronald Bocian, with interment to follow at St. Casimir’s Cemetery in Shenandoah Heights.
Bernadine Malinoski’s life exemplified dedication to both her profession and her country, leaving an indelible mark in the fields of nursing and public health. Her passing is a loss felt by many, and her contributions will not be forgotten.
