Kathryn Bernard

Kathryn Bernard

October 14, 1949 - May 15, 2025

Arroyo Grande - Kathryn L. Bernard peacefully joined the angels in heaven on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the age of 75. Kathryn Lynn Salchli was born in Washington, DC to John Fred Salchli and Joyce Bellamy Heil. She is survived by two brothers, Spike Reese of Idaho and Blair Reese of northern California. Kathryn was very close to their children and all of her nieces and nephews. Kathryn and Blair moved to Three Rivers in 1960 after their mother married Daniel Reese. They lived on a ranch and attended local schools. Kathryn graduated from Woodlake Union High School in 1967 and then moved to San Luis Obispo to attend Cal Poly where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. After college she married John FitzGerald. She began working as a fifth and sixth grade teacher at Alvin School in 1976 in Santa Maria. After 5 years, she left to go home to help her family. She returned to Santa Maria Bonita School District in 1988 and taught at Oakley School for five years and then became an administrator. Over her career in school administration, she was an assistant principal and principal at J. P. Ontiveros Elementary (Once a Condor, always a Condor!). After 3 years as principal, she was recruited to the Souza Center (district offices) to become the Coordinator of Staff Development from 1998 until her retirement in 2008. During her many years in education, Kathryn FitzGerald was mostly referred to as "Fitz ' or Ms. Fitz ". She was a great mentor and friend to both teachers and fellow administrators. She was admired for her dedication to what was best for students, as well as her kindness, empathy and compassion. She touched the lives of many. While working as the Coordinator of Staff Development, she married her second husband, Craig Bernard. They travelled quite extensively and enjoyed many exciting adventures. She loved the different foods of the many places they visited. Because of these experiences, she attended several cooking classes in various places and became quite proficient with Italian cooking. She was always interested in trying new recipes with different ingredients. During her dedicated time to the school district, she was also involved with the community through her participation as a board member for what is now The Boys and Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast. She volunteered for most of the club events and continued her participation even after she stepped off the board. She was also a strong supporter of The Santa Barbara Foundation and the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara. Her involvement in community events was always centered around supporting any activities or events that benefitted the students of Santa Maria. Kathryn leaves a legacy of true commitment to the school community of Santa Maria. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Boys and Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast, 901 N. Railroad, Santa Maria, CA 93458 or www.centralcoastkids.org. No formal services and planned at this time.