Kathryn M. Brogan

Kathryn M. (Somers) Brogan, 67, of Reading, died at home Sunday, January 29, 2012 following a courageous battle with cancer. She was born February 28, 1944 in Philadelphia to the late Thomas F. and Kathryn (Siegel) Somers. Kathy graduated from West Philadelphia Catholic High School for Girls in 1962 and the Pepper Laboratory Medical Technician Program at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in 1964. Kathy also attended the University of Pittsburgh and Albright College. She was married to Thomas C. Brogan at Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church in Springfield, Delaware County, on August 27, 1966 by Msgr. John J. Sefton, uncle of the groom. She was employed as a medical technician in private laboratories and public hospitals in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh until she left the workforce to raise her family in Reading. She returned to the workforce in customer service at Meridian Bank and then worked until retirement at Utilities Employees Credit Union (UECU). She served as the Treasurer of the Schuylkill Valley Chapter of Credit Unions. Kathy was an active volunteer in Reading-Berks community organizations including the American Cancer Society; a Board Member of Berks AID Network, which commemorated her for organizing the Hoops for Hope program; and United Way Campaign, to which she was assigned by CoreStates/Meridian Bank as its Loaned Campaign Specialist in 1996. She was the chair of the United Way Committee at UECU for a number of years during which time UECU was honored for its campaign success by the Berks County Chapter. Her infectious enthusiasm for helping others in need ennobled all who knew her. Kathy was a member of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Reading and an active participant in the parish's Mother's Club when her children attended St. Joseph's School. In addition to her husband, she is survived by two children: a son, T. Christopher Brogan, husband of Mireya A. (Bustamante), of Chicago, IL; a daughter, Karen M., wife of Matthew P. Klinger, of Reading; three grandchildren: Maeve E. Brogan, T. Knox Brogan, and Madelyn K. Klinger; a brother: Mark F. Somers of San Diego, CA. She was predeceased by her sister, Jeannette J. Riggio, wife of Joseph M. Riggio, of Honey Brook. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph Church, 8th & Spring Sts., Reading. Burial will be in Gethsemane Cemetery. Relatives and friends are welcome at the Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading Thursday from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Contributions may be made to: John Paul II Center for Special Learning, 1092 Welsh Road, Shillington, PA 19607. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com