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Bernice Klebaur

On March 5, 2024, Bernice (Hess) Klebaur, 99, a longtime resident of Tuttles Point in Guilford, passed away at Connecticut Hospice, Branford. Mrs. Klebaur was born in Newark, New Jersey, on Nov. 24, 1924, daughter of the late Louis M. Hess and Louise (Fraebel) Hess and wife of the late Eugene J. Klebaur. She was the sister of the late Victoria (Hess) Stewart (deceased husband, Francis Stewart). She is survived by cousin Carole Clifford (late husband John Ashcom) of Quakertown, Pennsylvania; niece Judi Klebaur of High Bridge, New Jersey; and nephew Edward J. Klebaur Jr. (wife Mary Ann Klebaur) of Salisbury, North Carolina. In addition, she is survived by many other nieces and nephews.

Bernice is a 1942 graduate of Columbia High School in Maplewood, New Jersey, where she met her future husband, Gene. They were married on May 3, 1945. Before retirement, she taught dance for 30 years at her own studio known as Miss Bernice’s Dance Studio. It was in the old Grange Hall in Guilford. Her dancing career began as an 18-year-old when she became a Rockette at Radio City Music Hall. After about eight years as a Rockette, she joined the June Taylor Dancers on the Jackie Gleason Saturday evening TV variety show.

She loved being near the water, both in Connecticut and in Florida, where she wintered for about 30 years. She was an accomplished water skier, and she also enjoyed gardening, crafts, and painting. She will be remembered as a wonderful lady and loved by all whose lives she touched.

Burial services were on March 18 at Fair Mount Cemetery in Chatham, New Jersey. Bernice will be laid to rest with her beloved husband, Gene. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405; www.hospice.com, or an Animal Rescue Shelter of your choice. Arrangements in care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church Street, Guilford. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.