In Memoriam: Pat Berning

Last week, we were saddened to learn of the passing of former Board Leader and long time advocate for social justice, Pat Berning. S. Alice Gerdeman, former IJPC Coordinator said, “Pat lent her experience, wisdom, compassion and caring for all the people we were involved with.” She was loyal, faithful, and joyful, working with concern for people in Latin America, she helped sell crafts for Crispaz which previously had an office in the Peaslee Neighborhood Center.

Pat served on the board of Ignite Peace (then Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center) from 2005 to 2011 alongside Kay Brogle. Kay reflected on Pat’s passing by saying, “Yet another great loss to us and to the works of peace and justice. What a great, energetic, fun loving and compassionate person.” 

Even after her time on the board, Pat stayed connected to Ignite Peace, most especially through her leadership on the Way of the Cross for Justice planning committee. Allison Reynolds-Berry shared, “Even in her final months, Pat was animated when talking about this year’s plans for the Way of the Cross for Justice and wanted to stay up to date by receiving the planning committee emails. She was an inspiration to me and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside her for so many years.”

Our deepest condolences go out to Pat’s family and friends. She will be missed by many of us in the Ignite Peace network.  

Funeral arrangements: You can read Pat’s obituary here. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Bellarmine Chapel on Saturday, March 2, at 11 a.m.. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. You can watch a livestream of the Mass of Christian Burial via this link.