Kathleen Schrode Ortman, 72, of Glebe Harbor, Westmoreland County, Virginia, died July 31.
She was the wife of George Ortman, who was the principal of Ocracoke School from 2004 to 2010
Born March 30, 1949, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, she was a daughter of the late Nora Sovinski John Schrode of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
Kathy graduated from Coughlin High School and Luzerne County Community College in Wilkes-Barre.
After raising her daughters, she went on at the age of 41 to receive her Bachelor of Arts degree from Mary Washington University, Fredericksburg, Virginia, in 1991. She continued her education becoming certified in elementary and special education.
Kathy worked as an instructional aide and teacher before retiring and moving to Ocracoke where she continued as a substitute teacher when needed at Ocracoke School. Kathy also served as a full-time volunteer for six years at Ocracoke when she was not substituting.
Kathy served as a member of the Glebe Harbor/Cabin Point Property Owners’ Association and a short time as a member of the Glebe Harbor Civic Association. She also enjoyed volunteering at Wakefield, George Washington’s Birthplace, as a time-period actor.
In addition to her husband, Kathy is survived by daughters Michele Shirey (Jamie), and Angela Barnes (Robert); four grandsons, Caleb and Colin Shirey; and Nathan and Dalton Barnes; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Kathy enjoyed reading, crocheting, shopping, but most of all being surrounded by her children and grandchildren. They were the major topic of conversation for anyone she met. She was the loudest supporter at her grandsons’ sports events as she was with her children when they were growing up.
Her last words to her daughters were, “Kiss the boys for me.”
Kathy Ortman was a dear dear sweet person. I know she will be sorely missed. We were blessed to have them here with us for the time that they were here. Hugs and prayers to the Ortman family.
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