A Town of Union family is coping with the loss of Marc and Maria Sonia Bernard.

The husband and wife were killed during the American Civic Association shootings.

Action News Reporter Julianne Sweeney spoke with relatives, who are now taking care of the Bernard's two small children.

"It's been like a hit that you would never expect, like nobody would ever expect like that to happen. It's just a lot of adjustment like emotionally" said the Bernards' Niece Roberta Esther.

18-year old Esther talks about the moment she learned her uncle and aunt had died.

Marc and Maria Sonia Bernard were killed during the American Civic Association shooting April 3rd.

"It was very hard..." said Maria Sonia's Brother Jean Esther.

Esther of Union, is still coming to terms with the loss.

The Bernard's left their homeland of Haiti in 2006 and moved to Endicott to live near the Esther's.

They were parents to 2 small children, who will be raised by their relatives.

Esther remembers his sister to be a very loving.

"She liked the family. She liked kids. She liked everyone in my family." said Jean Esther.

The Bernard's were taking English classes at the Civic Association and working towards their U.S. Citizenships.

"It was important to her because for her to come here and work. It was important to her and her children." said Roberta Esther.

Jean Esther is also working towards his U.S. Citizenship.

He says he needs this in order to become the legal guardian of the Bernard children.

The family says this is what Marc and Maria Sonia would have wanted.

Community support is pouring in for the Bernard and Esther families...

Maine-Endwell High School is trying to help the families move forward.

The school is accepting gift cards and other donations.

It's hoping these contributions can assist during their time of need.

"This money is used to help the family with all, all of the different expenses...any kind of household expenses, clothing, groceries, anything at all that the family would need." said M-E School Counselor Laurie Wicks.

Gift cards and other types of assistance can be sent to Maine-Endwell High School at 750 Farm to Market Road, Endwell, 13760.

A trust fund is also set up in the Bernard children's' names.

If you'd like to make a contribution, make a check made payable to Bernard Children Trust. Mail it to NBT Bank, Trust Department, 3121
Vestal Parkway East, Vestal, New York 13850.

And, Catholic Charities also has a specific fund set up for Bernard's.

Donations should be marked ACA/Esther/Bernard Families.

Mail to 232 Main Street, Binghamton, 13905.