Kristin R. Westra, whose infectious zest for life, love, and family was apparent to all who were fortunate enough to had met her, died suddenly on October 1, 2018 in North Yarmouth, ME.Kristin R. Westra, whose infectious zest for life, love, and family was apparent to all who were fortunate enough to had met her, died suddenly on October 1, 2018 in North Yarmouth, ME.
Kristin was born in Lancaster, PA on November 14, 1970, the daughter of Doris Rohrbach and William Rohrbach, of North Hero, VT. She is one of two children and is survived by her husband, Jay Westra, daughter, Sofie Westra, stepson Jake Westra, and brother, Eric Rohrbach and his wife Cee Cee Rohrbach of New Gloucester.
Kristin graduated from Colchester High School in Colchester, VT in 1988, after which she attended the University of Vermont, where she studied psychology. Following her graduation, Kristin moved to Marblehead, MA, and began working for Lotus Software as a corporate trainer. This position ultimately resulted in her moving out to Healdsburg, CA. After years in the corporate world, Kristin decided she wanted to pursue a career in teaching. Kristin obtained her Master's degree in education through the Dominican University of California. In 2004, Kristin moved to Portland, ME and took a job as a teacher at the Chebeague Island School, where she continued to work until the present day. Anyone who knew Kristin could plainly see that teaching was one of her favorite things in the world, and her commitment to her students was exemplary. She had a way of making learning fun for all she worked with and truly touched everyone in the Chebeague Island community, who are devastated by this tragic loss.
Kristin met her husband, Jay Westra, in 2005, who she married in 2007 and settled with in North Yarmouth. Kristin and Jay's love and commitment to one another as a couple was awe-inspiring to all who knew them, and the happiness and warmth in their home was omnipresent. On August 12, 2008, Kristin and Jay had their daughter Sofie, who, along with Jay's son Jake, were the lights of their lives. As a mother, Kristin was loving, patient, kind, funny, and committed. Her unwavering love for her children was always on display as she followed them to the multitude of events and activities they were involved with in their community.
Kristin loved travelling, running, socializing with friends, dogs, and anything to do with the outdoors. Teaching and being a mother came naturally to such a caring and loving woman. She was not just a teacher to her students, but one to all who met her. Her positive attitude toward the world, empathy toward others, and limitless patience were a constant reminder of the kind of person you were supposed to be.
The family wishes to thank the Cumberland County Sheriff's Department, the Maine Wardens, Maine State Police, and all other agencies and volunteers for coordinating search efforts. would like to express the utmost gratitude to all family and friends who have offered their love, help, and support during this tragedy.
The memorial service will be on Saturday, October 20, at the Congregational Church in Cumberland, 282 Main St, Cumberland Center, ME, 04021 at 2:00.
To see the funeral from away go to: http://www.kristinwestra.org
Memorial donations can be made to the Sofie Westra College Fund at Norway Savings Bank, 688 U.S. Route 1
Yarmouth, ME 04096.
