Mrs Katherine LeMay Ballard's Obituary
Katherine “Kathy” LeMay Ballard, born in San Bernardino in August 1947, died unexpectedly at Kaiser Hospital in October 2014. She was the Salutatorian of Pacific High School, Class of 1965. While at Pacific, she as an active member of the Honor Society, student government, Sobobans and a member of the 1964 Homecoming queen court. Kathy graduated from the University of California at Berkeley in 1969 where she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority and received her teaching credential. She earned her master’s degree from Cal State San Bernardino.
Beginning her career with the San Bernardino city schools in 1976 at Rio Vista Elementary, Kathy was an academic kindergarten teacher. She later taught at Barton North Verdemont and retired from Curtis Middle School. In 1984, she was one of 25 teachers selected to launch a new Mentor teacher program to develop curriculum, help new teachers, and coach established teachers who needed assistance.
Survivors include her son, Aaron Ballard and wife, Javiera Carter of Santiago, Chile and parents Bernie and Katherine LeMay of San Bernardino, twin sister Suzan Gromoll of Setauket, NY, brother John LeMay of Grand Terrace, nieces and nephews, Drs. Christian and Tai Gromoll, Charlottesville, VA, Stefan and Emily Gromoll, NY, NY, Heidi Gromoll, Setauket, NY, Robert and Emily Gaitan of Long Beach, and Jeremy LeMay of Grand Terrace.
In lieu of flowers, please contribute to your favorite charity.
What’s your fondest memory of Katherine?
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Share a story where Katherine's kindness touched your heart.
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