Kathy Rae Bernard

Within a day of Kathy Bernard’s passing, she left her family a sign that she would always be looking over them. As they were struggling with the idea of writing her obituary, they ran across the following handwritten obituary she had written herself some 15 years ago unbeknownst to her family.

Kathy Rae Phillips Bernard, 82, of Washington, died Saturday, April 19, 2025.

She was born February 18, 1943, in Meadville, a daughter of the late Georgene and Florencz H. Froelicher. She was raised and adopted by her maternal grandparents, the late Marguerite Anderson Phillps and William Phillips.

Kathy went back to school in 1981 attending a practical nursing program graduating in 1982. She loved nursing and spent the next 28 years helping those who needed her and loved every minute.

She married her husband, Bruce, in 1988 and had a wonderful and loving marriage. She and husband loved the many dogs and cats they had over the years.

Deceased, in addition to her parents and maternal grandparents, are two brothers, Wiliam W. Froelicher, who died shortly after birth, and Richard L. Phillips; two sisters, Barbara Phillips Fanter and Beverly Phillips Houser.

Surviving are three daughters, Michele M. Rawson Dingman, Lori Ann Rawson Street and Wendy Sue Haylett Roinik.

She will be cremated and her ashes scattered. “Thank you God for a wonderful life.”

In addition to Kathy’s words, she is survived by stepchildren Stacey Bernard Foran and Dave Bernard; sons-in-law Bob Dingman and Todd Street; five grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to acknowledge the wonderful care team at Paramount Assisted Living.

There will be no services. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kathy’s name to Washington PA Human Society, PO Box 66, Eighty Four, PAA 15330.

Arrangements are entrusted to William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington.