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.