Kathy DORT

DORT, Kathy 70, of Largo, Florida, passed away at home on July 17, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Kathy was born in South Bend, Indiana to William J. Alford and Mary Hinkle Alford. She was the youngest of three children and is survived by her brothers, Patrick and Timothy Alford. With a strong interest in language arts, she received her B.A. in English Literature from Indiana University. Kathy moved to St. Petersburg in 1978 and completed her Masters in Library Science from University of South Florida in 1981. She started her career with the Largo Public Library the same year. She worked there for 20 years, ending as the Assistant Library Director while expanding the adult collection from 70,000 to 225,000 books. In 1992, Kathy married the love of her life, Kevin Dort of Largo. Together they raised two wonderful children, Adam and Maria. In 2002, Kathy was hired as the manager of the Clearwater Library system main library. During her time in Clearwater, she managed the move from the old Carnegie Library to a temporary location while the replacement library was built. At the completion of the new library, she was designated as Interim Director of Clearwater Public Library System. After Barbara Pickell was hired, Kathy assumed the Assistant Library Director role. In 2007, Kathy was hired by the St. Petersburg City Library system as the Manager of the James W. Johnson and Child's Park branches. Kathy was highly instrumental in engaging the library with the local community, organizing Literacy Fest, spelling and geography bees, and other activities. She retired in 2017. Kathy had a love for the outdoors which included weekly hiking, biking, and canoe trips to area parks and preserves throughout central Florida. There were also frequent trips to Yellowstone National Park, Colorado mountains, and hiking through the lush Appalachian Mountains. Her fondness for nature extended to animals as she rescued multiple cats and dogs. Kathy was best known for her quick wit, strong moral character, and gentle demeanor that allowed her to be a great wife, mother, and manager. She was a loving and supportive mother to Adam and Maria. She is survived and will be greatly missed by her beloved husband, Kevin, her children, family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Friends of Strays, St. Petersburg.