Marylynne Hargaden Berard - Obituary

arylynne Hargaden Berard, age 83, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Born on August 21, 1941 in Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, Mary is survived by her children, Mary Bernadette Berard Schultz and Jacquelyn Berard; her grandchildren, David and John Schultz, William Berard, IV, Mary Miller, James and John Berard and Christin and Bethany Probst; her great-grandchildren, J.C and Luke Miller, James Berard, Jr., Michael, Benjamin and Romy Berard and her sisters, Elizabeth O’Donnell and Anne Price. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Barnaby Berard, Jr.; her son, William Barnaby Berard, III and her brother, Edward Hargaden. Mary was known for her unwavering kindness and dedication to bringing joy and hope to all she interfaced with. She graduated from Notre Dame Preparatory School in 1959, where she built upon the foundation of her Christian faith. This early education profoundly shaped her life and guided her actions throughout her years. Mary had a distinguished career in the military sector, working for the Department of Defense at the Naval Air Station in Patuxent River, Maryland, and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. While working at the Naval Air Station, she also served as a Commissioner of Economic Development for Calvert County. Among her many notable achievements, Mary played a key role in hosting special events with high-profile figures and worked extensively with a multitude of active-duty soldiers and their families to enhance their quality of life and provide relocation assistance. Mary was not only dedicated to her family and career but also to giving back to her community. After retiring, she and her beloved therapy dog, Twinkle, spent countless hours visiting patients at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, bringing comfort and happiness to those in need. Twinkle followed Mary as a trusted companion during her move to Florida, where she continued her care at Lourdes Noreen McKeen retirement community. In addition, she was an active and devoted member of her local church, St. Ann Catholic Church, in West Palm Beach, where she contributed her time and spirit to the community. Her compassion for others was a true testament to her caring nature. Mary will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. A private interment will be held at Columbia Gardens Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, to honor her miraculous life. “Jesus, I Trust in You