Kristin Ryan Beirne — a superb Staples High School athlete, and a highly respected longtime Bedford Middle School teacher — died Saturday, after a long illness. The Southport resident was 47.
Born in Norwalk in 1978, Kristin was a member of Staples’ Class of 1996. A star on the soccer and basketball teams, she received the prestigious Albie Loeffler Scholarship, awarded for academic excellence, athletic achievement, integrity and strong family values.
Kristin played Division I soccer at the College of William & Mary. She earned All-Conference honors, and set a school record for most games played (93, including 89 starts). Her 1997 team was inducted into the William & Mary Athletics Hall of Fame.
Kristin Ryan Beirne
Kristin began teaching physical education in Virginia, before returning to Connecticut in 2002.
Over her 23-year career at Bedford, she touched thousands of lives through her work in the classroom, and interscholastic and intramural coaching. She also volunteered with the Westport Soccer Association.
In 2015, Kristin was inducted into the Connecticut Girls Soccer Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
Kristin enjoyed summer days at Longshore, Compo and Southport beaches, and winter days ice skating and skiing at Mohawk and Killington.
Kristin was predeceased by her father James Ryan. She is survived by her husband, Christopher Beirne; children Alexandra and son, Grayson; her mother, Joan Ryan; siblings, Kim (Bill) Constantino and Kellie (Paul) Ouimette, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Sunday (August 10, 2 to 6 p.m.,Lesko Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, Fairfield). A memorial Mass will take place August 11 (11 a.m., St. Pius X Church, 834 Brookside Drive, Fairfield). To leave online condolences, click here.
In lieu of flowers, Kristin’s family suggests helping others via blood and platelet donations to the American Red Cross, and/or registry on the NMDP list for bone marrow donation.
So sorry to read of the passing of Kristin. I got to know her through refereeing her high school soccer games over a fabulous career. Such was a remarkable player and leader on the field. A wonderful role model for so many and particularly young girls at that time. I remember seeing so many young teams of girls from Westport at her games watching and admiring her skills and leadership.
Later on we connected at Bedford where I was working supervising student teachers. Always such a pleasure talking with her about education, teaching and young people. She was a dedicated professional with a strong sense of what was right and good for the students of the day.
We often met up at Longshore or somewhere in Westport and it was a delight to talk with her.
My thoughts go out to her family and all those who were touched by her talents, grace and joy for living.
May Kristins memory always be a blessing to her family and all who knew and loved her. A GoFundMe has been graciously set up to support the children’s education. https://www.gofundme.com/f/In-memory-of-Kristin-Beirne
I remember Kristine I did her mom’s hair and her hair. Oh my god that’s so sad. My condolences.💐