In 2005, The McElroy Group lost a dear friend in Kathryn “Kat” Berning after she fought a long, hard battle with lymphoma. Kat is survived by her husband Duanne and their sons, Aric and Kevin. Aric, her oldest son, is interested in pursuing a career in the medical field. Kat’s struggle with cancer no doubt has had a big influence on him and his desire to eventually specialize in oncology.
Kat was a smart, beautiful woman with a wonderful sense of humor. We miss her and think of all the joy and laughter she brought to all of our lives, especially to her best friend, Amy–she was like a sister to Amy. She was a great mom, and like Amy, she was very involved with her boys and their activities. She was also a long-time student of Amy’s, and she successfully competed with her Trakehner mare, Larkin, from Training to Second Level. Though she had Larkin for a long time, many will remember her up and coming horse, Slam, an Oldenburg gelding she purchased after Larkin’s retirement. Not only was Kat a talented rider, but she was also a gifted musician. She played the piano and gave lessons and also played the violin.
If you would like to make a donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, a fund has been set up on Kat’s behalf. Please be sure to indicate on your donation “in memory of Kathryn Berning” and her family will be made aware of your generosity to this cause. See the side bar to the right for details on how to make donations. Kat’s untimely passing reminds us all to enjoy each day and to live life to it’s fullest.