Kathy Renfrew

November 26, 1951 — May 20, 2026

Kathy was truly a giant in the world of science education. She was an elementary school teacher in Bradford, VT from 1976-2008, where she earned her lifelong reputation as the “Science Lady”. Kathy then went on to work for the Vermont Department of Education for another decade. Upon moving to Massachusetts, Kathy joined the Wade Institute for Science Education, and became part of Manomet Conservation Sciences in April 2025 when the two organizations merged.

Kathy’s passion for science education led her to become a nationally recognized leader in the field of elementary science education, and she was a particularly strong advocate for the incorporation of literacy into science education. She received the Presidential Award for Elementary Science Education at the White House in 2000, and only last month was honored with a Presidential Citation Award from the National Science Education Leadership Association, an organization that benefitted greatly from Kathy’s hard work and voice over the decades.

In the words of NSELA President Jeremy Blinn, “The science education world is better because of Kathy Renfrew, and she will be deeply missed.”

It was an honor to work with Kathy. She was a veritable fountain of creative ideas for our work. She dove into Manomet science and excitedly shared her latest discoveries of children’s books on shorebirds and migration.

Kathy’s full obituary and other information can be found here: https://www.uptonfunerals.com/obituaries/kathleen-renfrew. Remembrances can be shared with Kathy’s family through the funeral home website.