"Bootsie" Orr

Kathryn “Bootsie” Orr passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on September 30, 2022 in Frederick, MD at the age of 86. Bootsie is preceded in death by her parents Winifred and William Salmon, husband Forest with whom she was married to until his death in 1992 and sister Ruth Salmon. Bootsie, the nick name given to her by her grandfather, was born and raised in Stanhope, NJ. She was a proud graduate of Netcong High School, Stevens College and Texas Christian University where she earned her degree in Education. She went on to become a lifelong teacher and spent the majority of her career at Frankford Township Elementary School.

She lived a very full life which included raising two wonderful sons and supporting their love of sports and farming. She rarely missed a football game, wrestling match or 4-H show for her boys. Bootsie then carried on her love of sports with her grandchildren and attended every game no matter the weather.  She was a diehard Giants and Clemson fan and although she was a reserved woman, was never shy to yell at the TV during games which brought a smile to us all. 

Bootsie retired from teaching and found a new love, traveling. Her adventures never ceased to amaze her family and friends. Just a few of her trips included walking the Great Wall of China, climbing Machu Picchu, biking through Holland, kayaking in Chile, riding a camel in Egypt, heli-hiking in the Canadian Rockies and skydiving in Utah with her niece at the age of 65. 

She was very generous with her time and served countless hours volunteering at the Baleville Congregational Church and served as the church clerk for numerous years. Bootsie was an active member of The Women’s Club of Newton where she was treasurer and also volunteered to sit on a council of judges at the Sussex County Correctional Center. She was a member of Retired Teachers and involved in serval other philanthropic groups.

Bootsie spent the last several years of her life in Maryland making new friends and enjoying her final years of travel with them. She was grateful to spend wonderful moments with her cousin Dick Salmon. She will be honored and missed by her sister Nancy (Hub), her sons Joe and Bill (Nicole), her grandchildren Koty, Ryan and Brendan and her very large extended family full of nieces, nephews and cousins. A service will be held on December 9th at 10:30am at Yellowframe Church in Freedon, NJ. A repast will be held immediately following. The family would like to thank Frederick Health Hospice for all of their wonderful care and support during this difficult time. If you would like to make a donation in Bootsie’s memory, please direct them via check to: Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Sussex County. 1 Spring St. Newton, NJ 07860-Attn 4-H Foundation Scholarship Fund/Kathryn Orr