Kathleen was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on June 15, 1956. Kathleen grew up in Pennsylvania, St. Louis and New Jersey, and after college settled in Maryland, where she resided for more than 30 years. Kathleen was a strong believer in life-long learning, and graduated from Fairfield University in Connecticut, received a Master of Science in Engineering from The Johns Hopkins University, and most recently completed an Executive Certificate program from MIT Sloan School of Management.
Kathleen was an avid traveler and runner, with an adventurous spirit who seemed to fit 100 years of life into only 63. Always looking for ways to make life better and easier for everyone she met, Kathleen centered her life around her family, her job with Booze Allen Hamilton, and giving back to her community with the many charitable organizations she worked with – including AFCEA. Kathleen was proudly named a Woman Appreciation Award Winner by AFCEA in 2018. Kathleen was also committed to working with female-owned small business and dedicated to working with young adults to make sure they had access to scholarships, mentorship programs, and the ability to further their careers. Additionally, Kathleen and her husband Michael were devoted supporters of the Annapolis Naval Academy, caring for so many midshipmen recruits for more than 20 years. Go Navy, Beat Army!
Kathleen was a woman of deep faith and was heavily involved in her church. She was a CCD teacher for nearly 20 years and served as a Eucharistic Minister with her husband, frequently bringing communion to patients at local hospitals.
Kathleen is survived by her loving husband of 31 years Michael Roman Berganski; her two beloved daughters Katie Houchens, and her husband Matt, and Kellie Berganski; her mother Isabel Lyons, who she cared for so deeply; sisters Patricia Brune and her husband Mike, Maryann Lamberton, and her brother Michael Lyons and his wife Karen; and many cherished nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, and extended family she always welcomed so warmly into her home.
A Christian Memorial Mass was held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bowie, MD on February 18, 2020 where Kathleen’s life was celebrated by family and friends. Online condolences can be made at www.robertevansfuneralhome.com, and memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, a charity close to her heart. Please be sure to include Michael Berganski’s email address when prompted so the family will be notified of your donation in Kathleen’s memory: [email protected].
Kathleen treasured the following quote by Mother Teresa. Please allow these beautiful words and lasting life lessons help you hold Kathleen close to your heart always:
“People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway. If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten. Do good anyway. Give the world your best and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway. For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.”
