1951 - 2026
Born in Milford, Kathy was the daughter of the late Daniel and Helen (Rand) Fitzpatrick. She was raised in Upton, attended Memorial Elementary School, and graduated from St. Mary of the Assumption High School in Milford in 1969.
Kathy’s lifelong passion for education and science shaped an extraordinary career that touched countless students, educators, and communities. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1973. She later received a Master of Education degree from Trinity College in 1994, a second Master of Education in Science Education from Lyndon State College in 2005, a Teacher Leadership certification from Mount Holyoke College in 2016, and an Instructional Coaching Certificate from the University of Wisconsin in 2017.
Kathy began her teaching career in Australia from 1974 to 1976 with the Victoria Teacher Group before dedicating more than three decades to teaching in Vermont schools, including Bradford Elementary School, Union 36 School System, and Peacham Elementary School. While she taught every subject, science was her true passion, earning her the beloved nickname “The Science Lady.”
Her teaching philosophy centered on hands-on learning, often reminding others to “Make sure kids are doing science instead of just reading about it.” Through a National Science Teaching Association Toyota Tapestry Grant, she even helped students and local trade school volunteers build a log cabin outside Peacham School.
Kathy’s extraordinary commitment to education earned her the prestigious Presidential Award for Elementary Science Education from the White House in 2000.
Following her retirement from classroom teaching, Kathy continued her work advancing science education through the Vermont State Department of Education from 2008 to 2017. She also consulted for numerous educational organizations including WADE Institute for Science Education at Manomet Conservation Services, OpenSciEd K-2, MySci, and Discovery Education. Kathy authored curriculum materials, presented at conferences nationwide, and became widely respected for her innovation and leadership in science education.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kathy’s greatest joy was her family. After relocating back to Milford with her husband Scott, she treasured spending time with her children and grandchildren, attending sporting events, traveling, and continuing to share her enthusiasm for learning and discovery.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Capt. Scott A. Renfrew of Milford; her children, Alexander F. Renfrew and his wife Christine of Saugus, Gayle Lynn F. Melko and her husband Peter of Grafton, and Dani Marie F. Brewer and her husband Benjamin of Carver; and her cherished grandchildren Riley Renfrew, Jaxson Renfrew, Samuel Melko, Aubrey Melko, and Davina Brewer.
She is also survived by her brothers Thomas Fitzpatrick and Carolyn of Providence, Timothy Fitzpatrick and his wife Susan of Eastham, and Daniel Fitzpatrick and his wife Linda of Plymouth; her sister Jane Smith and her husband David of Marietta, Georgia; along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Kathy was predeceased by her parents, grandparents Leonard and Jenny Rand and Timothy and Alice Fitzpatrick, her uncle Lt. Richard Rand, who was killed in action in Vietnam in 1966, and her sister-in-law Diane Fitzpatrick.
Kathy’s legacy of curiosity, compassion, mentorship, and educational excellence will continue to inspire generations of students, teachers, family members, and friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Sunday, May 31st, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Pickering & Son Upton Funeral Home, 45 Main Street, Upton.
A prayer service will be held at 12:30 PM.
Following the service, family and friends are invited to a reception at Highfields Golf & Country Club, located at 42 Magill Drive in Grafton.
A private burial will take place at a later date at Lakeview Cemetery.
