'Kathleen Touched the Lives of Many'

A funeral mass was held for Longtime Monroe math teacher, Kathleen Kuhl, 62, of Easton at Carpatho Russian Orthodox Church of St. John the Baptist in Bridgeport Wednesday morning. In the eulogy, Kuhl was remembered as a charitable person who did her best to help those around her.

When difficult decisions had to be made, Kuhl was always there for her husband Robert and their two daughters, Amanda and Alena. As a teacher of 42 years, her peers admired her dedication and willingness to give students' extra help and as someone who stood up for fellow teachers as vice president of the Monroe Education Association.

"We're sorry to see her go," said Supt. of Schools James Agostine. "She was a great teacher, a great supporter of the Monroe School District and a leader of her peers as union president for a long time. She has 42 years of experience in Monroe. We're gonna miss her."

David Halliwell, who started teaching in Monroe in 1976, has known Kuhl for over 30 years.

"She was the best," he said. "Best teacher. Best person."

A fellow teacher who asked that her name not be used said, "There wasn't a person in this school district that she didn't reach out to or a child she didn't help."

Halliwell said, "She represented the best in the profession. She made us all proud to be teachers."

Kuhl, who taught math for the eighth grade at Jockey Hollow Middle School, passed away on Nov. 21. Principal Jack Ceccolini first knew Kuhl when he was hired as a teacher at Chalk Hill School 27 years ago.

"From 27 years ago to today, she was one of the best teachers you'll ever see, the utmost professional with utmost dedication," Ceccolini said. "It's so unusual not to see her in the building. I walk in the hall and I expect to see her. You can't replace the knowledge and experience she brought to the classroom. She supported teachers and students. She worried more about everyone else."

According to Kuhl's obituary, she was an avid Yankees fan, who loved to shop — especially on Black Friday. She also loved to relax poolside in her backyard, take cruises and visit Disney World. Kuhl was an animal lover who adored her dog Paco and cats Bessie and Daisy.