Kathryn Cioppa

Kathryn Ann Houghton Cioppa, 65, passed away peacefully and surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Kathy was born in Cobleskill, New York, on March 13, 1959 to the late Russell Edward and Audrey Webb Dyer Houghton.
After graduating from Beaver River Central School in 1977, she attended the State University College of New York at Potsdam, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in English Education, N-6 in 1981, and her Master of Science degree in Literary in 1982. Kathy's professional life was filled with accomplishments. Prior to retiring in 2020, she was a well-loved Title I Literacy Specialist at Vassalboro Community School, where she touched the lives of countless students through her passion for education and literacy, and her warm, caring nature. Her legacy as an educator continues to inspire countless colleagues and families.
Without question, the most treasured part of her legacy was meeting the love of her life, Eric, in August of 1980 while attending a 10-day "Wilderness Workshop" college course in the Adirondacks. The two were inseparable ever since, and were married on August 14, 1982 in a breathtakingly beautiful ceremony and reception on a Lake Champlain ferry boat in Willsboro, New York. Their marriage was the epitome of true love, and their bond was unbreakable. They were each other's best friends, biggest cheerleaders, and fiercest advocates. Their would-be 42 year marriage encompassed their favorite love song by John Lennon, Grow Old With Me.
Kathy filled the lives of everyone she knew with endless love, kindness, and joy. Her dedication to her family and friends was unmatched. She made every room brighter and every heart fuller, and devoted her life to ensuring those around her always felt her love.
She had many interests and hobbies; her favorites included traveling abroad with her closest friends and family, spending summers at the family camp on China Lake, and creating the most beautiful memories with her husband, children, and grandchildren. Her infectious laughter, compassionate spirit, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Becoming a "Gigi" to her three grandchildren, Callaway, Quinn, and Anthony, was one of her most cherished milestones; she loved and treasured them beyond measure. Her loving family was her pride and joy, and she dedicated her life to ensuring their happiness and well-being. She will be remembered for her loving heart, her dedication to her family and students, and her joyful spirit. She leaves behind a legacy of love and learning that will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Eric Cioppa, of China; daughter, Ryann Cioppa Fortney and husband, Chris, of Windham; son, Zachary Cioppa and wife, Maureen, of China; granddaughters Callaway Fortney of Windham; Quinn Cioppa of China; grandson Anthony Cioppa of China; brother, Robert Houghton and wife, Betsey, of Waterford, Michigan; brother-in-law, Tim Cioppa and wife, Elena, of Chittenango, New York; sister-in-laws, Terri Cioppa of Peru, New York; Andrea Stewart and husband, Keith, of Ballston Spa, New York; Tracey Cioppa of Willsboro, New York; Sharon Abrams and husband, Don, of Winslow; Sandra Houghton of Benton; nephews Shawn Houghton and wife, Heather, of China; Winslow Houghton and wife, Lily, of Moab, Utah; Peter Cioppa of East Syracuse, New York; Matthew Stewart and wife, Rachel, of Haarlem, Netherlands; Corey Stewart of Chicago, Illinois; nieces Tammy Lunt and husband, Eric, of Fairfield; Haley Houghton of Highland, Michigan; Karyn Hutchinson and husband, Jason, of Horseheads, New York; Renee Proulx and husband, Mike, of Oakland, and many great nephews and nieces.
Kathy was predeceased by her parents, Russell and Audrey Houghton; brother, Bradford Houghton, and parents-in-law, Anthony and Marion Cioppa.
There will be a service at China Baptist Church at 10:00 a.m., immediately followed by a celebration of Kathy's life at 701 Neck Road, China on Saturday, August 17th, both of which are open to the public.
Please visit Kathy's memorial page at https://vrlfuneralhome.com/obituaries/kathryn-cioppa where condolences, photos, and special memories can be shared.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Kathy's memory to either the Albert Church Brown Memorial Library, 37 Main Street, China Village, Maine or the China Village Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 6035, China Village, Maine, 04926.