AUSTINTOWN - Cathy L. Cross Bernstein, 62, passed away unexpectedly at her home, Friday, June 10, 2016, after fighting a long and valiant battle with heart disease and lymphedema. She was looking forward to spending the summer with family and friends, but this fighter is now reunited with her longtime companion, George Lopez and her mother, Janet Armstrong, who both passed away last year.

Cathy was born Feb. 6, 1954, in Youngstown, a daughter of Janet Smith Cross Armstrong and Dale W. Cross, and graduated from Austintown Fitch High School in 1972. She attended Youngstown State University, and was married to Joseph Bernstein for 14 years, remaining special friends.

Cathy was a kind, gentle and loving soul, a confidant and friend to all who knew her. She loved "her kids" who rode her bus to the Mahoning County Board of Developmental Disabilities (MCBDD), where she worked for over 16 years and she enjoyed serving as a union representative. She credited her grandfather, Gard S. Smith, for her love of nature, gardening and animals, especially her devoted dogs, Daisy and Chance.

Cathy leaves to cherish her memory a daughter, Jennifer Bernstein (Douglas Edwards); a son, Joseph Bernstein, Jr. (Mylinda); a brother, Dale W. Cross, Jr. (Patricia Brenner); grandsons, Jacob and Caleb Edwards; a granddaughter, Casandra Bernstein; aunts, Lorraine Isakson, Lynn Suchora, and Charlene VonBampus; cousins, Davene Peruzzini, Karen Snyder, Kim Snyder, and Kellie Snyder Trombitas; nieces, Amy Cross, Danielle Bozar, Janette Cross, and Nicole Peruzzini; a nephew, Dale W. Cross III (Dutch); and many dear and wonderful MCBDD friends, especially Patty Pavlik and Judy Cantwell, who helped her on a daily basis.

Family and friends may call from 2 to 3 p.m., Sunday, June 26, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown, where a memorial service will follow at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, Cathy's family suggests memorial contributions be made to a local pet shelter, or to the charity of the donor's choice. Please request donation notification be sent to Jennifer Bernstein, 9649 Wisteria Drive, Windham, OH 44288.