Obituary of Kay Bergin

WATERBURY- Kay V. Bergin, local political activist and long time educator, died Thursday September 29, 2011 at Apple Valley Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center. A native Waterburian, she was the widow of Francis X. Bergin and is survived by her daughter Sandy Bergin of Hartford; several nieces and nephews and many friends. Her sisters Harriette Chamberlin of Middlebury and May Morin of Bloomfield predeceased her. She graduated from Wilby High School, Central Connecticut State University, and earned an M.A.L.S from Wesleyan University. Her professional career began as a writer and a radio commentator for Radio Station WBRY. She continued as a free-lance writer for several publications throughout her lifetime. As an educator, she taught business subjects and was Chairperson of the Business Department of Naugatuck High School. As Associate Professor at Mattatuck Community College, where she was one of the first faculty members appointed she developed the Secretarial Science program for the college. As an active faculty member, she became President of the Statewide Faculty Senate in the 70's. In 1973, she was selected as the first Executive Director for the Connecticut Permanent Commission on the Status of Women. In 1975, the late Governor Ella Grasso appointed her as Deputy Banking Commissioner- the first woman in that role. She worked to eliminate credit discrimination, encouraged affirmative action in bank employment, and sought to eliminate "redlining" in mortgage lending. Her interest in housing issues resulted in an appointment in 1978 as District Manager for the New York region for the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation. She returned to Waterbury, resuming her interest in local and statewide politics- in 1985 ran successfully in a three way primary for State Representative in the 72nd District. She combined her interests in housing and finance and became a counselor for first time homebuyers for Waterbury's Neighborhood Housing Services. Throughout her lengthy professional and activist career, she served on many Boards. At the time of her death she was a member of the Board of Directors of Osher Lifelong Learning at Waterbury UCONN and an active member of Waterbury's Independent Party. She was a delegate to the National Women's Conference in Houston in 1977; named as a Distinguished Woman of the State of Connecticut in 1976; given the Business and Professional Women's award in 1976; and was listed in Who's Who in American Women- Leading Educators. Her biography is included in Feminists who Changed America 1963-1975. An enthusiastic golfer, she was a member of Watertown Golf Club; formerly a member of the Country Club of Waterbury; and CT State Women's Golf Association. Arrangements- A Memorial Service for Kay will be held 10:30 A.M Thursday October 20, 2011 at St. John's Episcopal Church, 16 Church St, Waterbury, CT 06702. There are no calling hours. The Alderson Funeral Home of Waterbury, 9 Holmes Ave, Waterbury, 06710 is assisting with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers donations in Kay's name may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.