Middleton - Kathryn Jane “Kathy” Colwell, age 74, of Middleton, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022, at Meriter Hospital. She was born on Feb. 24, 1948, in Milwaukee, Wis., the daughter of John William Colwell and Mary Catherine (Vosburgh) Colwell.

Kathy graduated from Nicolet High School (Glendale Wis.) in 1966 and earned a B.A. and a teaching certificate from Hamline University (St. Paul, Minn.) in 1970. Kathy enjoyed a long career as an elementary teacher in the Madison public schools, initially at Midvale Elementary before serving 30 years as a first-grade teacher at Shorewood Hills Elementary School, where she was especially dedicated to the education of her many multilingual, multiethnic and international students. Kathy was the recipient of the 2009 Legacy Award from the Foundation for Madison’s Public Schools.

In her free time, Kathy loved reading (belonging to a book club), walking and swimming at the YMCA, camping in Northern Wisconsin, and making regular blood donations. Kathy was a life-long avid sports fan of the Packers, Brewers, Badgers, and Bucks. Her retirement years were devoted to family, friends, her beloved Wisconsin sports teams, and especially, for the final 16 years of her life, to her treasured beloved dog, Sarabeth.

Kathryn is survived by her sisters, Carolyn Colwell and Martha Heidenreich; brother, Bruce Colwell; nephews, Michael (Angie) Heidenreich, Brian (Ali) Heidenreich and Daniel (Joel Spiess) Heidenreich; nieces, Erin (Justin) Petri and Jennifer (Michael) McFarland; great-nieces, Rosie, Noel, Molly and Watts; and great-nephews, Chase, Holden, Eagan, and Fosston. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A memorial service will be held at Gunderson Fitchburg Funeral AND Cremation Care, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002

Kathryn Jane Colwell

February 24, 1948 - August 27, 2022

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