Kathryn E. LaPorte

Kathryn E. LaPorte, 78, of Ellington, CT, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. She was born on February 9, 1948, in Hartford, one of three children to the late Richard C. LaPorte, Sr. and Beatrice G. (Smith) LaPorte.

Kathryn grew up in South Windsor, CT. She held a lengthy 45-year career as a teacher with Broad Book Elementary School beginning in 1970. She loved teaching and it was shown by how much she loved her job by being at the same school for that many years.

Kathryn had a lifelong love for animals, especially her beloved Scottish Terriers. She was deeply involved in showing and breeding Scotties, dedicating many years to raising beautiful, show-quality dogs. Her dogs were truly the center of her life, and she took great pride in caring for them and sharing her knowledge with other dog enthusiasts. Kathryn also had a soft heart for cats and other animals, and throughout her life she welcomed many into her home. Her love for animals was evident to everyone who knew her, and the companionship they brought her meant the world to her. Kathryn also had a passion for photography. At every family event she could be found with a camera in hand, capturing special moments and the people she loved. She took great joy in sharing those memories, always making sure family and friends received copies of the photos she took.

Kathryn is survived by her two sisters-in-law, Theresa D. LaPorte of Kingsport, TN, and Carol LaPorte of Winter Garden, FL; her three nieces, Brenda Guillmette and her husband Noel of Lebanon, CT, Kimberly Jacobs and her husband Joey of Winter Garden, FL, and Bobbie Mattson and her husband John of Kingsport, TN; her seven great nieces and nephews, Ethan, Jasmine, Ricky, Bradley, Lindsey, Gavin, and Kadin; as well as seven great-great nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her two brothers, Richard C. LaPorte, Jr. and Robert W. LaPorte; as well as her niece, Lisa Lynn LaPorte.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, October 16, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m. in Section R of Grove Hill Cemetery, Hale St., Vernon. Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, in South Windsor, are in care of her arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Furry Animals Being Saved Rescue, P.O. Box 366, Swansea, SC 29160.