Kristen Marie Kasha

Kristen Marie (Lindberg) Kasha (37) passed away in the comfort of her home on Monday, June 4, 2018 after battling cancer. At her side was her loving husband, Dr. Ryan Kasha, of Clermont, FL, along with her maternal grandmother, Dorothy (Harding) Ziegler of Bensalem, PA, and one of her aunts, Betsy Freidel (godmother). She is also survived by her father and step-mother, Barry and Phyllis Lindberg, of Merritt Island, FL; her brother Eric Lindberg, of Seattle, WA; aunts, uncles, step-siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends and loved ones. She was preceded in death by her mother, Dorothy (Ziegler) Lindberg; her maternal grandfather, William Ziegler; her paternal grandmother, Theresa (Manulla) Lindberg; and her paternal grandfather, Allan Lindberg.

Born April 12, 1981 in Hartford, CT, Kristen grew up in Windsor, CT, and made many lifelong friends through school and through Trinity United Methodist Church. She graduated from Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida, and later earned a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree, for Special Education and Teaching, from the University of Central Florida. She taught special education in Polk County and Lake County, FL, most recently at the Lake Hills School.

Her life, though short, was full of love. Kristen loved to read. Kristen especially loved to play games with her friends, cousins, brother, nieces, nephews, and husband. She looked forward to annual family get-togethers at the beach; visiting family across the country; quiet time with Ryan in St. Augustine; and spoilers for the next Avengers, Star Wars, or Star Trek movie. She liked good movies and great television shows, and loved some awful television shows, too. Kristen laughed infectiously, showed kindness generously, and she was probably the nicest person that anyone who met her knew.

An ardent supporter of children and education, Kristen devoted her life to helping students develop the ability to learn and communicate. Her work in assistive technology helped to give her students a voice, and her collaboration with other teachers helped students outside of her classroom, school, district, and across the country. When she was not planning lessons or assisting coworkers, Kristen volunteered as a Guardian ad Litem to advocate for and protect the rights of minor children in court proceedings. Kristen believed all children should be seen and heard, no matter their physical, intellectual, or custodial needs.

A passionate vegetarian, Kristen’s compassion and concern extended to the animals around her, especially to her adopted street dogs, Portabella (Bella) and Toasted Coconut (Coco).

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, she requested donations be made in her name to the Lake Hills School Assistive Technology in her honor:

Lake Hills School

Attn: Robin Meyers

909 South Lakeshore Blvd.

Howey-in-the-Hills, FL 34737

Please note on the memo line:

Kristen Kasha AT (Assistive Technology)

Donations to this fund will help children for years to come. Kristen cared passionately for her students and wanted to do everything she could to help them during her life and this program can become her legacy. Let us try to give the world a little of the goodness it lost with her passing.

"Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let the pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place."

Iain S. Thomas