Obituary of Laurie A. Bernat

Laurie Bernat, 44 - Left too soon, our hearts are broken…

Laurie Bernat, beloved daughter, devoted sister and aunt, passed away suddenly Sunday, January 16th, 2022, at Reading Hospital. 

Daughter to Barbara (Smith) Bernat and the late Eugene Bernat, Laurie was born on July 3rd, 1977.  She graduated from Phoenixville High School and continued her education at West Chester and Cabrini Universities.  Laurie was employed for over 15 years as a Medical Billing Coding Analyst at Main Line Dermatology Practice in Wayne. 

If you know Laurie, you know her passion for music and dance!  Laurie devoted this passion to her nieces, Sara and Leah, as she supported, guided and directed them to have a love for dance and theater.   She volunteered as a stage manager, choreographer, director, and did anything that was needed to support Holy Family Drama Club, The Springer Studio Youth Theatre and Releve Dance Academy.  Laurie poured hours of time and energy back to the community supporting the next generation of talent.  She loved every minute of it and it showed.  Laurie loved the theater, musicals, all music genres and concerts.  Her life-long dream came true when she traveled to see the Back Street Boys in concert followed by an in-person back stage pass!!  Laurie also was a sports fan supporting her grandfather, Henry J. Bernat, OJR’s head football coach for over 30 years.  And of course, she was by her Dad’s side as a huge Penn State fan, decked out in blue and white on game days. 

Laurie is survived by her mother, Barbara, brother Andrew Bernat (wife, Tammy) and her beloved nieces, Sara and Leah.  Immediate aunts and uncles, John Bernat (wife, Sandra), Karen Mastrangelo (husband, Ricky) Lisa Bernat, many cousins and close family friend, Chris King.

She was preceded in death by her father, Eugene “Gene” Bernat.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph’s RC Church on Thursday, January 20th, 2022 at 11:00am.  Friends are invited to visit with the family prior to the service from 9:00am to 11:00am at St. Joseph’s RC Church, 3640 Schuylkill Road, Spring City, PA. 19475.  MASKS ARE REQUIRED.  Interment immediately following at St. Ann’s Cemetery, Phoenixville, PA. 19460

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation in Laurie’s name to The Springer Studio Youth Theatre, 751 Pike Springs Road, Phoenixville, PA. 19460 and or Holy Family Drama Club, 221 Third Ave., Phoenixville, PA. 19460

Online condolences can be made at www.rstrunkfuneralhome.com.  All arrangements are being handled by R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc.  Phoenixville, PA.