Kathy Mueller, 70, of Colchester, Vt., passed away peacefully at the
McClure Miller Respite House, in the early morning of November 6,
2023, while holding the hand of her daughter, Julia. She was born on
July 21, 1953, in Atlantic City, N.J., to the late Norma and James
Weber. Kathy was predeceased by her parents, as well as by her
sisters Suzanne Williams and Joanne Weber.
Kathy is survived by
her sister Jane Weber; her daughter, Julia Atherton; son-in-law,
Joseph Atherton; and grandson, Grayson Atherton. She will be deeply
missed by her family and friends.
Kathy attended Fair
Lawn High School and later pursued higher education at Ramapo College
and William Patterson University. From age 12, she knew her calling
in life was to teach. She began by becoming a swim instructor and
lifeguard, followed by a position as an elite gymnastics coach. For
the last 19 years of her career, she taught in Waldwick, N.J., as a
second-grade schoolteacher and then as an assessment prep teacher for
grades 6 through 8.
After retiring she
moved to Vermont with her mother, Norma, to be closer to her daughter
and grandson. In her free time, Kathy enjoyed pursuing various
hobbies. She was especially proud to have taught herself how to play
the guitar at age 65. She had a talent for drawing and expressed her
creativity through her artwork. Kathy also found joy in baking
cookies and would share them with everyone who crossed her path.
Kathy will be
remembered for her outgoing personality, the impact she made on the
lives of her students, and the warmth and kindness she expressed to
everyone she met. She will be deeply missed by all who had the
pleasure of knowing her.
In memory of Kathy,
donations may be made in her name to the McClure Miller Respite House.
This article appears in Dec 6-12, 2023.