Bernadette Mary Kellerman

Bernadette was born on November 6, 1937 in Jarrell, Texas to Jacob and Marcella Lefner. She attended Holy Trinity Catholic School in New Corn Hill, Texas and later graduated from Jarrell High School. While working in Dallas, Texas, she met her future husband, Clarence (who also was known as CJ and Dutch) at a church dance. A few months later, on New Year’s Eve, he asked her to marry him, right there on the dance floor. CJ graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and took a job with IBM. Then the real adventure began. Bernadette and CJ, with kids in tow, moved to San Jose, California, to Rochester, Minnesota, then Bobligen, Germany, back to Rochester, to Austin, Texas, to Tokyo, Japan, then Dayton, Ohio, and then lastly to Round Rock, Texas for retirement. Bernadette never cared much for the physical move, but she loved seeing the world.

Both Bernadette and CJ, who were devout Roman Catholics, sacrificed so their children could attend Catholic schools. Bernadette’s and CJ’s unselfish contribution of their time, treasure and talent were instrumental in bringing Holy Family Catholic School, St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School, San Juan Diego Catholic High School and the current church building and campus of St. William Catholic Church in Round Rock into existence.

Bernadette was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was devoted to keeping her home and yard neat and comfortable for her family and guests. She diligently worked to find the best bargain in her shopping endeavors. Bernadette was very active. She played a mean game of Chicken Foot dominoes. She enjoyed solving her daily Sudoku puzzle. She was an avid bowler since joining the IBM ladies league in the late seventies and continued to bowl until recently. She loved to hit the dance floor at weddings and galas. She was a fan of the UT Longhorns, regularly attending football and women’s basketball games. Bernadette’s truest and most beloved calling was that of grandmother. No one loved her grandchildren more. She so loved spending time with them and celebrating all their accomplishments.

Bernadette and her loving husband Clarence (CJ) were married for 57 wonderful years prior to CJ’s passing in 2015. Bernadette was also preceded in death by her parents, sisters Mary Straka and Eleanora Schwertner, and her daughter Mary.

Bernadette is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Gilbert and Martha Lefner of Temple, Texas: sister, Alice Simek of Jarrell, Texas; daughter and son-in-law, Delores (Dot) and Steve Ammons of Leander, TX; daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Nyle Maxwell of Georgetown, TX; son and daughter-in-law, David and Melanie Kellerman of Denton, TX; daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia (Cindy) and Russell Waters of Georgetown, TX; daughter and son-in-law, Jeanette and Matt Browning of Keller, TX; daughter and son-in-law, Angela and Terence Quinn of Austin, TX; along with 26 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces throughout the world.

Thank you to everyone for your prayers given for Bernadette and the family. We all know she is in Heaven. The family gives a special thank you to the staff and nurses at the Tiffin House in Georgetown, and to Carrie at Suncrest Hospice - thank you all for your loving and compassionate care of our mother.

The visitation will be held from 5:30 – 7:00 PM, the Rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm on Monday, February 6, 2023 at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North IH-35, Pflugerville, TX. The Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Bernadette’s life will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at 10:00 AM at St. William Catholic Church, 620 Round Rock West Drive, Round Rock, TX.

Bernadette’s final resting place will be at Holy Trinity Catholic Church Cemetery in New Corn Hill, Texas.

In lieu of flowers it is the family’s request that donations be made to: Diocese of Austin, 6225 Hwy 290 E, Austin, TX 78723: c/o Catholic Schools Tuition Assistance Fund. Or simply make donations online at https://csdatx.org/impact.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com for the Kellerman family.