Lauren Elizabeth Bernett

Lauren Elizabeth Bernett, 20, of Southwestern Pennsylvania, passed away on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Harrisonburg, Virginia. She was born on October 22, 2001, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Kimberly Griffith Bernett and Scott Bernett. Lauren attended Carnegie Mellon Children’s School, John F. Kennedy Catholic School, and South Fayette High School, where she was a member of the National Honors Society. She was currently attending James Madison University in Virginia, majoring in biology (pre veterinary). She was a Division I student-athlete for James Madison's softball program and was extremely proud to be a freshman starting catcher for the 2021 Women’s College World Series Team. Lauren’s softball career started in slow pitch in Washington, PA. She played travel ball with the Pittsburgh Lady Roadrunners and Team Pennsylvania prior to attending and committing to James Madison Softball. In addition to softball, Lauren had several interests and talents. She aspired to be a veterinarian and had volunteered and worked at All About Pets in Canonsburg and Washington, as time permitted. She also assisted with youth softball camps and training around the Pittsburgh area. Lauren was an avid snowboarder and enjoyed the relaxation of the mountains during the winter. She loved listening to country music and attending concerts. Her grandmother, Ruth Bernett, taught her to sew and she made several quilts for herself and relatives. She also made pillow cases for children through the Martha Washington Quilters Guild. When Lauren was a young child she did several paid commercials, print work, was an extra in movies, and appeared on several American Greeting cards. Lauren was incredibly hard working, from sports to jobs to volunteering her time helping others. She had a huge heart for people, animals, and anything related to softball. Her smile was contagious and lit up a room. She will forever be in our hearts and will be missed terribly. Surviving, in addition to her parents, are her siblings, Andrew (Courtney) Bernett, Jordan (AJ) Weaver, and Alexandra (Kevin) Duncan; maternal grandparents residing in Arizona, Beverly (Mel) Smith and David Griffith; paternal grandmother, Ruth Bernett; and nieces and nephews, Arley, Harper, Garrett, Rylyn, Theo, and Noah. She is also survived by countless aunts, uncles, and cousins. Deceased are her brother, Brandon S. Bernett, and her paternal grandfather, George A. Bernett. Family and friends are welcome on Monday, May 9, 2022, from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM and on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, PA 15301. Services will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 11, 2022, in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made here to the James Madison University Softball Team