Obituary: Kathryn (Blackburn) Guidone, 47, Of Westport

Kathryn Jean (Blackburn) Guidone Katy courageously completed her final marathon on March 6, 2018. Due to complications associated with cancer, Katy now runs freely among the angels.

Born in West Allis, Wisconsin to Peg and Douglas Blackburn on March 20th, 1970, Katy was the youngest of five siblings. She graduated from Staples High School in Westport, Connecticut in 1988, received a Bachelor’s Degree in English from UConn in 1992 and earned her Master’s in Education from Sacred Heart University.

Katy began her career as a teacher in her 30’s, and was cherished by her students as much as they were inspired by her. Katy loved being a middle school teacher in Madison and Hartford, most recently at the Noah Webster Micro Society, where she also established the school's first running club.

Katy was a student favorite with her warmth and dynamic teaching style, passion and enthusiasm for reading and writing. You could always count on Katy having a candy treat in her desk and she came in early and stayed late almost every day.

An avid runner since her senior year of high school, Katy completed 35 marathons in less than 30 years. Even completing the Dopey Challenge at Disney World, which involves running a 5k, 10k, half marathon and full marathon over four consecutive days. Rain or shine, Katy would be running on local country roads before heading off to school.

Katy was a warm and generous soul with a smile that made all who met her feel instantly welcome and loved.

Katy is survived by her loving husband Jason Guidone, mother Peg Blackburn, sister Wendy Ward (Gregory), brothers Doug, Christopher (Isabel), and Jonathan (Anna) Blackburn; Step-mother Wendy Weinberg; Father-in-law Raymond Guidone and wife Elizabeth, Brother-in-law Ray Guidone (Annie), Sister-in-law Winifred Turgeon (Sam); sixteen beloved nieces and nephews and countless friends who loved and adored her. Preceded in death by her father Douglas Blackburn.

There will be a celebration of life planned for the spring. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite local charity in Katy's name.

Photo credit: Elizabeth Guidone