Bernadette M. (Monarco) Salimbene went home to be with the Lord peacefully on January 24th, 2026 at Niagara Hospice, at the age of 75, surrounded by her loving family.

Bernadette, “Bernie” (aka Grammy) was born in Trinidad, Colorado. She often reflected on what a blessed childhood she had, growing up in a large, loving family in Trinidad with her parents, the late Adolph ‘Biz’ and MaryGrace (Cappellucci) Monarco, two brothers, Juge (Jackie) Monarco and Dennis (Kim) Monarco, and four sisters, Regina Summerfield, Carolyn (Keith) Surber, Monica Monarco, and the late Linda (late Henry) Griego. Amidst a house full of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, Bernadette developed her life-long love of people. She found joy in the company of others, meeting every person with genuine curiosity, relishing in shared stories and laughter. Her quick wit and humor made her the life of any gathering, a natural born entertainer.

She met her husband George A. Salimbene in Trinidad, CO, and they were married in 1971 in Raton, NM. Shortly after, they moved to George’s hometown, Niagara Falls, NY where they lived for the 54 years of their marriage. She was a devoted, loving, and playful wife and mother to her three children, Nicole (Dirksen Bauman) Salimbene, Anthony (Linda Sileniece) Salimbene and Jeremy (Christeen Palmer) Salimbene. Bernadette loved being with her family and her friends, Country-and-Western dancing, taking vacations, bowling, going to garage sales, and playing games, especially bingo.

One of her greatest joys was becoming a grandmother to four grandchildren, NoahGrace (Nikhail Pillai) Bauman, Caleb Bauman, Nico Salimbene, and Chloé Salimbene, and a great grandmother to Azzelia Charron-Bauman. She was a spirited, fun grandmother, playing games and make-believe, and whether in-person or over the phone, she loved keeping up with all their activities, passions, and life milestones. She was also cherished by a large family of sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and many friends.

But it was her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ that guided her every step and carried her through every storm. She believed in the power of prayer and would faithfully pray for anyone in need. Her love was a reflection of God’s grace and mercy, that she was always happy to give. Her laughter and love will be missed, but also felt by all those blessed to have known and loved her.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” -Matthew 25:23

Visitation will be on Saturday, January 31 from 3 – 6 PM at M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY, 14304, where funeral services will begin at 6:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to Niagara Hospice at niagarahospice.org. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.