Kathryn Lynn Bernard

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 had 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.

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