Catherine M. Bower

Mrs. Catherine M. "Cathy" (Bacia) Bower, 47, of Aurora, OH, formerly of Blandon, PA, passed away suddenly, surrounded by her loving family, on Friday, January 2, 2026, in Twinsburg, OH.

Born February 7, 1978 in Jersey City, NJ, Cathy was the daughter of Marcia J. (Frankowski) Bacia Allen, Surfside Beach, SC, and the late Stevie Z. Bacia. She and the love of her life, her husband of 24 years, Joshua D. Bower, were married on June 2, 2001 in Cherryville, PA.

Cathy was a 1996 graduate of Pleasant Valley High School, Brodheadsville, PA and attended East Stroudsburg University. Cathy worked as the front office manager for Comprehensive Asthetics, Chagrin Falls, OH, and previously worked in purchasing for Knoll International, East Greenville, PA.

Cathy's passion was cheerleading. She was varsity cheerleading coach at Fleetwood Area High School where she led the team to the NCA National Championships in Dallas, Texas. She was also the cheerleading coordinator for the Fleetwood Area Youth Football and Cheerleading Association. After moving to Ohio, Cathy served as the junior varsity cheerleading coach for Aurora City High School, Aurora, OH.

Cathy's motto was "YOLO", You Only Live Once! Those who knew Cathy, knew that she lived up to that motto every day of her life. When Cathy walked in a room, everyone knew. Whether it was her huge smile or her personality, she would own the room. Even though her personality was so strong, she cherished the quiet times with friends who needed someone to listen or lean on.

Most of all, Cathy lived fiercely for her children. She always put others ahead of herself, especially with her family, and spending time with Chloe and Connor was the most important thing in Cathy's life. Whether it was at events or activities or just at home, her heart was full when she was with them. Her infectious smile and personality extended far outside her home to her extended family and friends. 

Cathy loved her animals.  Her four doggies and four kitty cats kept her busy and she loved them almost as much as her ducks loved her.  Cathy was the duck whisperer and had a whole flock that would visit her every day at home for her to feed them, even flying to the driveway when they would see her car coming home.  Cathy was so special and we will all miss her tremendously but are so honored to have had the gift of Cathy in our lives. 

In addition to her husband, Josh, and her mother, Marcia, Cathy is survived by her children, Chloe A. Bower, and her boyfriend, Benjamin M. Ryan, and Connor D. Bower, and his girlfriend, Addison G. Martin, her precious doggies, Winnie, Piper, Bella and Ruby, her kitty cats, Baby Kitty, Coco, Roxy and Lucy, her sister, Kimberly A. (Bacia) Johnson, wife of Matthew J. Johnson, and their doggie, Juniper, Baltimore, MD, her niece, Olivia M. Haas, her nephew, Owen M. Haas, several cousins, her sister-in-law, Jessica D. (Bower) Adam, wife of Steve R. Adam, Macungie, PA, and her mother-in-law, Debra M. (Moll) Bower, widow of Eugene D. Bower, Alburtis.

Memorial Services for Cathy will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 1:00 pm at Walbert Funeral Home & Crematory, 14390 Kutztown Rd, Fleetwood, PA. A visitation for Cathy will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the funeral home.

Cathy's family requests donations in lieu of flowers. Donations can be made to Fleetwood Cheerleading, c/o Fleetwood Area School District, 801 N. Richmond St, Fleetwood, PA 19522, Aurora Cheerleading, c/o Aurora City School District, 109 W. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH 44202, Safety Net Sanctuary, 187 Houck Rd, Fleetwood, PA 19522, or to Rescue Village, 15463 Chillcothe Rd, Novelty, OH 44072.

Walbert Funeral Home & Crematory, Fleetwood, is devasted by the loss of our dear friend Cathy. Her light will continue to shine through all of those her knew her, including our family. Messages of comfort and sympathy can be offered to Josh, Chloe and Connor at www.WalbertFuneralHome.com.