Katherine "Kay" Kastien Wyburn, 68, of Delray Beach, passed away on October 7, 2012. Kay was born July 16, 1944 in Washington D.C. She was the daughter of Herbert and Elizabeth "Bette" Kastien. Kay is survived by her son Bryce (Hilary) of Delray Beach, FL, a brother William "Bill" (Vonnie) Kastien of Springfield, IL, three nieces Heather (Steve) Cook of Rochester, IL, Mary (Michael) Bushue of Mason, IL and Wendy Dickens (John) of Fort Drum, NY, and her most cherished grandchildren Mason and Blake.
Kay was a dedicated teacher, loving mother, adoring grandmother and steadfast patriot. Specializing in math, science and reading, she influenced the lives of countless children and military personnel. Her passion for learning began in Peoria, IL where, at an early age, she convinced her parents to become host parents for a foreign exchange student from Brazil. From there she went on to Iowa State University (Kappa Alpha Theta) for her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. After starting her teaching career in CT, she took time off to raise her son, Bryce while living in Houston, TX and Miami, FL. In the 1990s she resumed her career full time by teaching 1st grade at Gateway Christian School in Miami. After September 11th 2001, she began tutoring young adults seeking to pass the entrance exam for the United States military. On February 24th 2004, she was honored with a Public Service Commendation by the United States Coast Guard, on behalf of all military branches, for her tireless commitment to the over 500 service personnel she helped pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.
A memorial gathering will be held on Thursday, October 11, 2012 from 5:30PM-7:30PM at the Lorne & Sons Funeral Home, 745 N.E. 6th Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33483.
A funeral mass will be held at 4PM on Friday, October 12, 2012 at St. Louis Catholic Church, 7270 SW 120th Street, Miami, FL 33156.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Palm Beach County, 5300 East Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33407.