COL DIANE BERARD To TAPS - UPDATE

COL DIANE BOLTON BERARD passed away 1/26/2014.

The battle is over, the last trumpet has sounded. Once again cancer has won. Colonel Diane Bolton Berard, United States Army Retired, and Distinguished Member of the Regiment, lost her 13 year war with breast cancer on Sunday, January 26, 2014.

Diane was born on 22 September 1955 in Janesvile, Wisconsin to the late Clark Bolton and Ann Jacobson Bolton. A product of Janesville Public Schools, she graduated from Craig High School in 1973 and went on to graduate from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater. She was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Army in 1977. She later earned a Master’s Degree from the University of Southern California.

In her almost 27 years in the US Army, Colonel Berard was awarded the Legion of Merit, eight (8) Meritorious Service Medals and two (2) Army Commendation Medals to name just a few. A more detailed description of her career was entered into the Congressional Record by Honorable Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, page E1877, 24 September 2003.

Diane was an avid Green Bay Packer fan, in fact the grandchildren claimed they could hear her yelling all the way to Illinois when the Packers messed up. Since their conception, Diane also became a Washington National baseball fan.

One of the great mysteries in life, at least in her eyes, was why so many people thought and called her an inspiration. Since being diagnosed with cancer in 2001, she underwent 21 medical procedures, chemotherapy and radiation while still working. Though she was asked to stay on active duty, she felt she was unable to perform her duties in a manner acceptable to her and retired in December 2003.

Diane and Ron threw all their energy into completing her bucket list; starting with 25 items that grew to over 100. She tackled her bucket list by walking on all 7 continents, walking in all 50 states, and sailing all the oceans of the world. The only incomplete item was attending a baseball game in all the MLB parks; only Seattle and Oakland were left undone.

Diane’s “spare time” was devoted to the Peninsula Pathfinders of Virginia; the area’s largest walking (volksmarching) club. She served in many different positions, most recently as the President. She also spent time working with the local chapter of MOA. Even when she couldn’t attend meetings, she helped out with e-mail lists and other duties.

Diane is survived by her husband of 37 years, Rolland (Ron) Berard; step-daughter Jean Marie Taylor and son-in-law, Matthew, of Normal, IL; brother Kenneth Bolton (Dona) of Janesville, WI; sister Dr. Ruth Bolton of Madison Lake, WI; brother John Bolton (Lucia) of Orlando, FL; brother Dan Bolton (Ann) of Dover, MN; brother Steve Bolton (Peggy) of Woodbury, MN; brother Raymond Bolton of Wisconsin Rapids, WI; step-mother Jean Bolton of Rockford, MN; and her two favorite people, granddaughter Morgan Berard Taylor and grandson Ethan Berard Taylor, both of Normal, IL. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Funeral Mass was held at 5 PM Wednesday, February 19, 2014, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church. Burial in Arlington National Cemetery with full honors, will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers (Diane was allergic), please make a donation in her name to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation at http://www.bcrfcure.org/.

Condolences may be left at www.wjsmithandsonfh.com.

Received this from Jeanine Lugo: