WASSAIC, N.Y.—Leola “Bernie” Galek, 92, passed unexpectedly at home while on Hospice, in Wassaic N.Y., where she was surrounded by the love of family and friends.
Born on April 7, 1933, in Huron, N.Y., to Leola F. Decker and Luther Decker, Bernie lived a life marked by hard-work, compassion, and quiet strength.
Bernie met and married the love of her life, Stanley Galek, on Dec. 28, 1952, while working at the Coffee Cup in Wolcott, N.Y. Stanley and Bernie went on to own and operate the Galek Dairy Farm on Spring Lake Road, in the town of Butler from 1952 to 1997. Besides working in the Coffee Cup, Bernie also worked the breakfast shift at Billie’s Diner, and the Greek’s Restaurant in Wolcott before retiring from the Alzheimer ward at the Wayne County Nursing Home, Lyons N.Y., in 1995.
From a young age, Bernie knew her calling was to help others. She devoted 40 years as a Certified Nursing Assistant, bringing comfort to countless patients and families with her gentle spirit, shy smile, and caring hands. Her colleagues admired her unwavering patience and personal warmth she brought into every room. She was known to volunteer to sit with bedbound patients at Sharon Hospital and Sharon Nursing Home.
Bernie was predeceased by her sisters, Alice Bergstressar, Dorothy Hall, and Gerry Van Norstrand; her brothers, Kenneth Decker and Marvin Decker; and her husband Stanley in 1997. After his passing, she spent the next 25 years in Wassaic, working at the Kent Nursing Home, in Kent, from which she retired at the age of 80.
She is survived by her son, Philip A. Galek (Laura); grandson Phil Galek; great-grandchildren, Gianna and Gavin Galek, of Wolcott; her daughter, Colleen Meunier (Leon); grandsons, Chad (Bambi) Meunier and Justin Meunier; and granddaughter, Keirstin Meunier, of Wassaic.
Family and friends were the center of Bernie’s life. She delighted in watching her grandchildren grow and was known for taking them out of school to go to Four Brothers or Round to-it for lunch. Her favorite shows were “Gunsmoke” and “Roy Rogers.” Favorite recording artists included Charley Pride, Freddy Fender and Eddy Albert.
Bernie will be remembered for her devotion to her lifelong faith as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, where she viewed the resurrection hope in John 5:28, 29, as a source of comfort and light. She longed for the day when she will be reunited with the love of her life, Stanley.
“Happy Trails to you, Mom and Grandma, until we meet again.” – Roy Rogers and the Sons of the Pioneers.
Everyone who knew her is welcome to join in a celebration of her life on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, at the Kingdom Hall on the corner of 101 East Duncan Hill Road and Route 22, Dover Plains, N.Y. at 2 p.m. Light refreshments will be served after. To request a Zoom invite, use the email below.
Messages of condolence, fond memories or any photos would be greatly appreciated. Please email to: LebGalek2025@gmail.com.