Laura M. Berdon
Laura M. Berdon of Quogue, formerly of Palm Beach, died on Friday, June 22, at Wellington Terrace, West Chester, Pennsylvania. She had happily celebrated her birthday on June 14 with family and friends.
Born in Chester, Pennsylvania, to Josephine and Michael Miklasz, she graduated from St. Hedwig School in Chester and Chester High School in 1940, and later attended Columbia University in New York City.
She met her husband, Matthew A. Berdon, in 1950 in Philadelphia. The two wed on March 31, 1951, moved to Manhattan early in their marriage, and spent almost 60 happily married years together prior to Mr. Berdon’s death in 2010. The couple did not have children of their own, but had a loving relationship with a large, extended family.
A talented interior decorator, elegant dresser, accomplished hostess and delightful storyteller, Laura entertained often and beautifully at her homes, survivors said. She traveled extensively and had many friends in New York, the Hamptons, Palm Beach and London, where she and her husband had business interests and a home in years past. She was a warm and loving magnet for family members, and hosted many festive holidays and family occasions, including the weddings of her nieces, Michele Cooke Jordan (Robert) and Suzanne Cooke Pettit (Donald), and her nephew, Edward J. Cooke, III (Carole), at her home in Quogue. Her friends and family always looked forward to her lavish Christmas parties. Her parties will be remembered for their beautiful settings, interesting guests and engaging conversation, and invariably delicious meals, according to her family.
Ms. Berdon was a member of the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Quoigue and the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums. She was long involved in Big Sisters and Big Brothers of New York and other charities and volunteer organizations.
Ms. Berdon is survived by her brother, Stanley Miklasz and his wife Eloise of Michigan; her sister, Adele M. Cooke of Pennyslvania, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers, Henry Haas and Julian Haas, as well as by three other siblings who died in childhood.
A graveside service was held at Whitemarsh Memorial Park in Ambler, Pennsylvania.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, 580 Main Street, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978, or to the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola, 980 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10003.
on Jun 25, 2012