Kathlene Chernauskas

Kathlene Sparks Chernauskas, age 65, of Erie, passed away on Saturday April 8, 2017 at Walnut Creek Rehabilitation Center. She was born on November 16, 1951 in Altoona, PA, a daughter of the late Robert and Jane Blake Sparks.

Kathlene grew up in Erie. She graduated from Strong Vincent High School and attended Penn State Behrend, graduating from University Park with a degree in English. She also took graduate level coursework at University Park. She was an editor for the school’s handbook and student newspaper. She began her career as a librarian but her passion was raising her boys.

Despite numerous surgeries and sequela relating to her diabetes, she remained positive and active in her children’s and grandchildrens’ lives.

She had beautiful handwriting and was an avid letter writer, having pen pals all over the world. She was very creative and her letters were personalized with her stickers and rubber stamps. She was so smart and quick-witted. She even published a poem while in school in the magazine Seventeen and recently heard from a reader after nearly 50 years about how much this article influence her life. Kathlene will be sorely missed by her family, her many friends worldwide and her cats.

Survivors include her husband of 42 years Victor Chernauskas; two sons: Andrew David and his wife Sky and Matthew Victor, both of Erie; two grandchildren: River and Violet Chernauskas; and two brothers: Robert and David Sparks.

Friends are invited to call on the family on Tuesday April 11th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 W. 26th St. (at Powell Ave.) and attend the service at the funeral home on Wednesday April 12th at 11am. Burial will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Orphan Angels, 5439 W. Lake Rd. Erie, PA 16505.