On August 7, 2024, Barbara Ann Bernhardt of Silver Spring, MD passed away peacefully at the age of 90. Barbara was born in 1934 in Toledo, OH to Bertha and Arthur J. Bernhardt. The family moved to Kansas City, KS when Barbara was 14. Barbara graduated from the College of St. Theresa (now Avila University) with a BA in 1955. She taught high school in Kansas City before moving to Washington, DC in the late 1950s. She taught history at Wheaton High School and worked at the Washington Hospital Center. Barbara spent the rest of her career at The Catholic University of America (CUA) from 1961-2000 when she retired. She was Director of the Social Center for many years. Her last position was Director of Multicultural and Student Services. After retiring in 2000, she worked part-time for Disability Support Services at Howard County Community College.
Barbara is survived by her brother, James Bernhardt, sister-in-law, Bernadette Bernhardt (Arthur, Jr); nieces: Barbara Monger (George), Mary Bernhardt, Trisha Bernhardt, Sarah Clements (Sean), Brenda Bernhardt, Julie Bernhardt, Jill Frye (Kevin); nephews: Thomas Bernhardt (Jessica), Paul Bernhardt (Betty Ann), David Bernhardt, Jeff Bernhardt (Melissa), John Bernhardt; and great-nieces and nephews
She is preceded in death by her sister, Betty Woznicki, brother, Richard Bernhardt and wife, Betty, Arthur J. Bernhardt, Jr; and sister-in-law, Judith Bernhardt (James).
Barbara loved helping people. She enjoyed working with students. While at CUA she advocated for establishing an on-campus day center for students and staff. When the university did establish a day care center, they named it after her, The Barbara Bernhardt Child Care Center. Barbara enjoyed going over to the center and having lunch with the children.
Barbara loved animals, and especially Irish Setters. Growing up, her father had several hunting dogs including an Irish Setter name Susie. Barbara always remembered Susie and in 1970, acquired her first Irish Setter, Shannon. That began a love affair with Irish Setters that continued for the rest of her life. Barbara owned several Irish Setters and was very proud that six of them became AKC champions.
Barbara shared her love of Irish Setters with Jane Towell, her friend and house mate of 49 years. They had many good times and adventures going to dog shows and enjoyed the many irish Setters they owned and loved over the years.
Barbara was very active in the Irish Setter Club of America serving on the Board of Directors for many years. She was also a member of the Potomac Irish Setter Club serving on the Board of Directors and as President.
Barbara is now happily reunited with all her beloved Irish Setters. May the Shamrocks fall softly. In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara's memory may be made to one of the following:
Irish Setter Club of America Foundation
c/o Jay Zirkle
34553 Deerwood Drive
Eugene, OR 97405
The Catholic University of America
A visitation for Barbara will be held on Monday, August 19, 2024 from 5pm to 7pm at the Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, 11800 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, Md 20904. On Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 11am a Mass of Christian Burial will take place at the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 12319 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, Md 20904.
