Kathleen “Kathy” Dorothy Ladd Fischer, 60, of Newtown, CT, died Friday, November 12 in her home after an almost 2 year battle with ALS.
Kathy was born January 14, 1950 to the late Helena May Blanchette Ladd and the late Elwood Shepherd Ladd. She grew up in the Long Hill section of Trumbull, CT and lived in Fort Meyers, FL for 6 months while in 5th grade. She spent much of her time playing in the woods and pond on her family’s property with several of her nieces that lived close by. As a child, she developed a love of the outdoors, reading books and sewing. Kathy met her best friend and partner for life, Lawrence B. Fischer, Jr. in Tarrytown, NY while attending Marymount College. They were married January 31, 1970. She left Marymount and moved to CT to start her life with her husband and raise her family. Kathy and Larry moved with their 3 small children to Newtown in December, 1974. Kathy worked part time doing bridal alterations while raising her children until she returned to college, attending Western Connecticut State University where she received her BS in Education in 1986 and her MS in environmental science in 1992. She taught sixth grade science for 26 years in New Milford, CT; first at Schaghticoke Middle School and later at Sarah Noble Intermediate School. She brought her love of science and her passion for teaching to her students every day. During her years as a teacher, Kathy was always looking for continuing education opportunities to learn new ways to promote scientific knowledge and curiosity in her students. Kathy’s love of the outdoors continued into her adult life as she enjoyed hiking, kayaking, ice skating and traveling with her husband and family. Kathy and her husband were passionate about ballroom dancing, antique book collecting, and theater. She also enjoyed reading, scrap booking and counted cross stitch. Kathy has been described by family and friends as an intelligent, classy lady who was endlessly caring and supportive to her family, friends and students.
She is survived by her husband of nearly 41 years, Lawrence B. Fischer, Jr.; daughter Teresa A. McKenzie and her husband Martin McKenzie of Hillsville, VA; son Lawrence B. Fischer, III and his wife Joyce Fischer of Kittrell, NC; son Karl B. Fischer and his wife Therese Fischer, of Collegeville, PA; Grandchildren Andrew Fischer, Chelsea Buddle, Erika McKenzie, Elena McKenzie, and Matthew Fischer; brother Robert Ladd of Vero Beach, FL; and sister Luella Dwyer of Newtown, CT.
Friends may Thursday, November 18, from 4 – 7 PM at Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street Newtown, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, November 20, at 1 PM in St. Rose of Lima Church, Newtown, CT.

Donations can be made in memory of Kathy Fischer to:
The ALS Division of MDS- www.als-mda.org
The ALS Association, CT Chapter- www.alsa.org
Voice for Joanie- www.VoiceForJoanie.org
Bethel Visiting Nurse Association- www.Bethelvna.org

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