Milton, Pennsylvania - Kathleen McDermott Brautigam passed away peacefully in her home on March 11, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Kathy was a pioneer and nationally recognized leader in educational technology policy and practice. She built a respected career marked by professionalism, dedication and a remarkable ability to connect with people.

During her teaching career, she transitioned from middle school and early elementary education to become a Secondary Computer Specialist. She also co-authored and published two educational books, Apple Logo and Commodore Logo, reflecting her early leadership in integrating technology into education.

Kathy later served as director of technology for the Danville Area School District and director of technology services for the Capital Area Intermediate Unit before becoming director of the Bureau of Educational Technology at the Pennsylvania Department of Education. In this role, she spearheaded the Commonwealth's largest statewide educational technology data collection effort, establishing benchmarks and guiding evidence-based strategy across Pennsylvania.

Her work for the Commonwealth included supporting interagency federal and state grant initiatives and serving on regional, state, and national policy advisory boards. She received the Outstanding Leadership in Technology Award and had the opportunity to testify before state and federal legislative committees on the effectiveness of Pennsylvania's educational technology initiatives.

Kathy remained deeply dedicated to the Milton community. She served as a teacher in the Milton School District for 18 years as well as yearbook advisor and class advisor for many years. She also enjoyed dedicating her time to coaching AYSO soccer and the Milton Community Swim Team, which also allowed her to spend more time with her children. In addition, she worked with Children and Youth Services and served as chairman of the Board for the Milton Panther Education Foundation for more than ten years.

While making these contributions to her school and community, she also served on the Board of Directors of Pinpoint Federal Credit Union and was a member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.), a sisterhood of women whose mission is to motivate, educate and celebrate women. As an active woman, she was passionate about bringing physical movement to everyone and enjoyed exercising with her TRX group and with the Rock Steady Boxing Parkinson's patients.

Kathy was a lifelong learner, having received a B.S. in Education from The College of New Jersey and an M.S. in Instructional Technology from Bloomsburg University. She also served as an adjunct for graduate-level faculty with Bloomsburg University, Duquesne University and Millersville University.

Whether in the classroom, working with the Governor's office, serving on advisory boards, or through simple conversations, Kathy had a gift for connecting with people and helping them see their potential. She had a deep passion for social justice, inclusivity and education for all.

Above all, Kathy was a devoted partner to her husband, Brad, and a loving sister, mother, and grandmother. Over the 56 years they shared together, Kathy and Brad built a deep partnership and a love of adventure. When she was not consulting, they could often be found exploring Europe by road bike, riding with the Williamsport Bicycle Club or the North Florida Bicycle Club, working and riding horses at the White Stallion Dude Ranch in Tucson, Ariz., relaxing in Amelia Island or down the shore, hosting yearly family beach vacations in Ocean City, New Jersey, or dancing their way up and down the South Jersey coast.

Kathy was a strong role model for her two children, four grandchildren, and everyone fortunate enough to know her. She led by example through kindness, resilience, curiosity and generosity of spirit. Her warmth and encouragement left a lasting mark on the many lives she touched. Her beautiful soul was an inspiration to us all.

She will be remembered for her strength, her love of learning, her bright smile, and the grace with which she lived her life.

May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.

Friends and relatives will be received on Thursday, March 19 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Shaw Funeral Home 400 N. Front St., Milton.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Fox Chase Cancer Center: https://www.foxchase.org/giving/how-to-give or Milton Panther Education Foundation https://centralpachamber.com/milton-panther-education-foundation/

Condolences may be shared at www.shawfuneralhomeinc.com.