1984 – 2013
Amber Lee Bernath, 28, passed away on January 11, 2013, with her loved ones by her side. Amber was born on March 5, 1984, at Rainbow, Babies & Children's Hospital in Cleveland, OH.
After moving to Ramona with her family at a young age, Amber quickly realized her one true love; animals. From dogs and chickens to pigs and dolphins, Amber never met an animal she didn't love (or own!). Her compassion was contagious.
Amber was a true original with a funky sense of style that was all her own. She considered shopping more than a hobby, but a means of self-expression. Amber had a knack for finding the perfect piece of jewelry and took great pride in her endless collection of charms. She loved sifting through vintage shops and reading about the latest fashion trends. Most recently, Amber discovered a love of cooking, a passion she shared with her mother. Testing out new recipes became a weekly routine and was something that Amber really enjoyed.
A graduate of the Institute for Effective Education, Amber was a genuine soul who devoted her life to helping others. Whether volunteering at the local shelter or spending time with the disabled, Amber had a heart that was forever open. She was sweet. She was kind. She was our Amber and she will be endlessly missed by all.
She is survived by her mother, Betty Mae Bernath; aunts and uncles, Sue and Kevin Chapman, Judy and Jim Besunder, Marilyn and Michael Lapidies and family and Arlene and Stanley Bernath; cousins, Ashley and Chris Chapman, Alexandria and Jonathan Hirko, Vera, Ed, Leah and Shawn Dunagan, the Rothensfeld family, Deby Schwartz and the Folkman family; and adorable yellow Labrador, Lucy. She is preceded in death by her father, Robert George Bernath; and grandparents, Eva and Charles Bernath and Gladys and Bernard Jacobson.
Memorial services are planned for Saturday, January 19, 2013, at 11 a.m. at the home of Janet Lenahan in Ramona, call 440-759-7851 for details.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Amber's name to PAWS San Diego, www.pawssandiego.org and to Congregation Etz Chaim, www.etzchaimramona.org, P.O. Box 1138, Ramona, CA 92065.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Anton Lewis Usala, MD.
It's been almost four years since Amber left. I remember Amber as a tiny infant in an incubator when I was an intern at Rainbow Babies and Childrens Hospital 1983-84, and had the opportunity to see first hand what love is.
I remember the love of her Mom, as Amber fought through the seemingly endless medical procedures, being her enthusiastic, happy but tired. guardian always at her side.
I never met with Amber, or her family, after I left Rainbow, but I always remembered her and her mother's bond. I remember looking her up in 2014, just to see what had become of her, and was both saddened and joyful as I read of her life.
I am now 58 years old, but wanted to find out if Amber had the opportunity to live life...I was pleasantly rewarded. I will always remember the love generated by this innocent beautiful infant.
Anton Lewis Usala, MD
Anton Usala
December 15, 2016
My condolences to the grieving family during this very difficult time. May the God of all comfort give you all peace.
January 28, 2013
Amber was in my class in 4th grade. Afterward, we were pen pals until she graduated from high school. During the last few years, I would see her occasionally in town and enjoy catching up with what she was doing. I will miss Amber.
Carolyn McNulty
January 26, 2013
I send my condolences to the Bernath family and friends. 1 John 4:8 encourages us to remember that our heavenly creator, His love is abundant and in his memory we are not forgotten.
January 26, 2013
May the remembered warmth of many cherished memories bring you comfort. Amber leaves a lasting impression on all who knew and loved her. (Isaiah 24:15).
Tucker
January 23, 2013
Amber was a beautiful, sweet little girl. I will always remember her as part of the Ramona Stars 4H rabbit group. I am sorry her life was so short.
Dora Friedli
January 22, 2013
Hey Amber Lee Bernath, It's you're High School Boyfriend from The Urban Skills Center I just wanted to tell you that I will never forget you in mine life, because you wear the only real girl friend I ever had as well you wear the best one I will forever remember that and you also will be kept close to mine heart seeing you meant the world to me because without you I wouldn't be able to finish high school and that's how much you meant to me and I am glad I took in a Limo ride to mine Senior Prom because I had a blast with with you in mine final year of high school.I am just glad that I was a part of you're life because that's special to me and I know you won't ever forget that.By the way,please tell you're dad Robert Bernath I said,hi and also tell I miss him. RIP Amber Lee Bernath You will def be missed by myself as well as mine whole family misses you dearly.
Morgan Zakar
January 20, 2013
Amber had generous and loving heart, and at yet was vivacious and full of life. She was always trying hard. I will very much miss her!!Please forgive me Betty, for not being able to attend her memorial today.
Jane Tanaka
January 19, 2013
Please allow the God of comfort to comfort you during this most difficult time.
~Isaiah 51:12-"I-I myself am the ONE that is comforting YOU people."
Dee
January 17, 2013
The death of a love one is very difficult. Therefore, I'd like to share scripture that may help. Please, read John 6:40, 44
Lex
January 17, 2013
I will always remember Amber as a sweet, loving, and thoughtful person. She was the highlight of my day when I was her bus driver and took her back and forth to school. You will be missed Amber.
Debbie Ballantyne
January 16, 2013
I will always remember amber as a loving friend who.was alwsays there for her freinds and stuff. I'm sorry for your loss.
Nichole Evans
January 16, 2013
miss you amber lee bernath
vanessa baca
January 16, 2013
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