Cheryl L. Durkin

YOUNGSTOWN - Cheryl L. Durkin, 75, passed away on December 22, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, surrounded by her family.

Cheryl was born on March 21, 1949, in Omaha, Nebraska, a daughter of Dr. Donald and Millicent (Pugh) Bernat. She moved to Youngstown, Ohio as a small child and was a graduate of Chaney High School. Professionally, she worked as the office manager at her father's medical practice and as a secretary at Tri-Metro Studio.

Cheryl was an avid gardener and had a passion for cooking. Her love for jigsaw puzzles provided her with hours of enjoyment, as did watching soap operas. Cheryl cherished her memories of traveling to Bristol, England in her youth with her parents to visit her mother’s family. Cheryl also loved a good gossip session at the kitchen table while enjoying a cup of tea. Above all else, the most important thing to Cheryl was her family. She was at her happiest when he was spending time baking and playing board games with her grandchildren who lovingly called her “Grandma Cheri.” She was so proud of all of her children and grandchildren and found absolute joy in every moment spent with them.

Cheryl leaves to cherish her memory her two daughters, Lesley Durkin, of Youngstown and Dawn Durkin Schneider, of Canfield; her son, Phillip Durkin, of Youngstown; two sisters, Susan (Jamie) Mickler, and Christine O'Hara; brothers, David (Kathleen) Bernat, Robert (Mary Kay) Bernat, and Peter Bernat; eight grandchildren, Kane, Justin Jr., Leah, Derrek, and Jordan Durkin, Halle and Jake Schneider and Kayley Scurti; special relatives Tarick and Charles Bernat, Mary Ann Durkin and Michele Dubas; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents, Cheryl was preceded in death by her son, Justin Durkin and brother, Donald Bernat Jr.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at St. Elizabeth Hospital for the care they provided. 

Cheryl will forever be in our hearts and her family will be holding a celebration of life at a later date.

Arrangements are by Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel.