Bernadine “Berni” L. DeCampli

DeCAMPLI

Bernadine Louise DeCampli, from Media, PA, died peacefully at Riddle Village, Media, on November 25. She had suffered a stroke on November 15. She was 95 years old.

“Berni”, as she was called by family and friends, was born on June 10, 1929, in Allentown, PA to Paul W. Diehl, Sr and Genevieve (Frantz) Diehl. She grew up in Allentown along with brothers Paul Diehl, Jr and Glenn and sister Carol (Diehl) Young. At age 18 Berni moved away from her hometown to attend college at West Chester State Teachers’ College (now West Chester University). There, she met her husband William J DeCampli, a physical education major, three-letter athlete, and Navy veteran. They married in 1950 and lived for a brief time back in Allentown, where they had their first child, William M. Open teaching jobs were scarce in the early post-war years, so they moved to Delaware County for a better job market. While living in Upper Darby and then Drexel Hill, they had two more boys, Craig (b. 1954) and David (b. 1957). Her husband ultimately took a position in the Haverford school district as a science teacher and coach. While raising children, Berni took positions as a substitute teacher in the Haverford elementary schools. Berni later received a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and rose to become one of the founders of the gifted programs in the Haverford school district as well as head of the social studies programs. She was loved by her students and colleagues alike for her exuberance and creativity and was recognized for her excellence in child education.

As her children were now “out of the house”, Berni and Bill embarked on a mission to travel the world and pursue their passion of skiing. They joined the Main Line Ski Club to improve their progressive skill in skiing, but also for the fun of the social experience. Berni also loved travelling. She and Bill ultimately travelled to numerous places such as southeast Asia, Galapagos, and China, participated in expeditions and safaris in Africa, and continued learning.

When Bill passed in September 2004, Berni moved to Plush Mills senior living, and later to Riddle Village in Media. There, she continued to be an organizer of activities and found friendship in her neighbors. She excelled in Bridge (she used to say she refused many offers to joint in a Hearts group) and later in rummy cube and putt-putt golf. On many occasions, she would sneak out of the facility with a friend, jump in her car and head for Harrah’s Casino in Chester. Her sons never knew how much money she returned with, but she never once asked them for a loan! Perhaps Berni’s greatest passion was dancing. She joined a group that met at least once per week for an evening of lessons, performance, or pure entertainment. One such group went on numerous “Dance Cruises”. When she became less active, she continued that passion by learning how to sketch and paint and ultimately producing numerous award-winning photos and paintings of dancers.

Berni adored her husband and her children, always speaking more of them than of herself. Only eight weeks before passing, Berni met up with her three boys and their wives for an evening out at her favorite restaurant, hours of reminiscing, and a little rummy cube.

Berni is survived by her three sons, Bill, Craig and Dave (wife Pam), by four grandchildren– Craig, Nicolas (by Craig and wife Sandra), Elissa, and Grant (by Bill and wife Kristi), three greatgrandchildren– Daniela, Nicolas, and Juliana (by granddaughter Elissa and husband Lucas), and by her sister Carol.

A memorial celebration of life for Berni will be conducted at 1:00 pm ET on Saturday, December 21at the D’Anjolell Funeral Home, 2811 West Chester Pike, Broomall, PA 19008.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, contributions can be sent in Bernadine DeCampli’s name to the American Cancer Society (https://donate.cancer.org).

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