Kathleen Dorothy Ladd Fischer

Endlessly Caring And Devoted To Friends

 And Family

Kathleen “Kathy” Dorothy Ladd Fischer, 60, of Newtown, died November 12, in her home, after an almost two-year battle with ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, often referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s disease.” She was born January 14, 1950, to Helena May (Blanchette) Ladd and Elwood Shepherd Ladd.

She grew up in the Long Hill section of Trumbull, and lived briefly in Fort Meyers, Fla. She spent much of her time playing in the woods and pond on her family’s property, and developed a love of the outdoors, reading, and sewing.

She met her best friend and partner for life, Lawrence B. Fischer, Jr, while attending Marymount College. They were married January 31, 1970. The Fischers moved with their three small children to Newtown in December 1974.

Mrs Fischer worked part-time doing bridal alterations while raising her children, until she returned to college. She received her BS in education in 1986 from Western Connecticut State University, and her MS in environmental science in 1992. She taught sixth grade science for 26 years in New Milford, at Schaghticoke Middle School and Sarah Noble Intermediate School. She brought her love of science and her passion for teaching to her students, and sought educational opportunities to learn new ways to promote scientific knowledge and curiosity in her students.

Her love of the outdoors continued into her adult life as she enjoyed hiking, kayaking, ice-skating, and traveling with her husband and family. The Fischers were passionate about ballroom dancing, antique book collecting, and theater. She also enjoyed reading, scrapbooking, and counted cross-stitch. Family and friends have described Mrs Fischer as an intelligent, classy lady who was endlessly caring and supportive to her family, friends, and students.

Her husband of nearly 41 years; daughter Teresa A. McKenzie and her husband, Martin, of Hillsville, Va.; two sons, Lawrence B. Fischer III and his wife, Joyce, of Kittrell, N.C., and Karl B. Fischer and his wife, Therese, of Collegeville, Penn.; five grandchildren; sister Luella Dwyer of Newtown; and a brother Robert Ladd of Vero Beach, Fla., survive her.

Calling hours were scheduled for Thursday, November 18, from 4 to 7 pm, at Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, November 20, at 1 pm, in St Rose of Lima Church, Newtown.

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

The Newtown Bee     November 19, 2010