By Nicole Hamilton
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Caryn Bradshaw used innovation and passion to change lives.

"She wanted to fight every battle that came her way. She was so strong. She enjoyed life and wanted to help others to do the same," said her mother, Betty Broeman of East Walnut Hills.

Caryn Bradshaw, better known in Cincinnati as Kit Klinedinst Helton, died Sunday at her home in Port Ludlow, Wash., of cancer. She was 59.

She attended Summit Country Day School and Hillsdale (now Seven Hills High School).

After earning a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Cincinnati and a master's degree in education from Xavier University, Ms. Bradshaw taught high school students in Newport.

"She found ways to show her students the different ways people live," her mother said.

Around the age of 29, Ms. Bradshaw left Cincinnati to teach in other parts of the county, including Florida, Oregon and the Aleutian Islands in Alaska.

Her affinity for teaching underprivileged and disabled children led her to places outside of a typical school, such as juvenile detention centers. After being diagnosed with cancer about three years ago, she volunteered to teach at an Indian reservation near her home in Port Ludlow.

Before moving to Washington state, Ms. Bradshaw taught in Corvallis, Ore., and in Denver.

Her sister, Molly Ashmore, and her father, Thomas J. Klinedinst, preceded her in death.

In addition to her mother, other survivors include her husband, Vaughn Bradshaw of Port Ludlow, Wash.; two sons, Christopher Helton of Indian Hill, and Deak Helton of Kenwood; and two brothers, Thomas J. Jr. of Hyde Park, and Charles of San Francisco.

Services have been held.

Burial was in Laurel Cemetery, Port Ludlow, Wash.

Memorials may be made to Emanuel Community Center, Children's Programs, 1308 Race St., Cincinnati, 45202, or to Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 3949 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, 45223.

E-mail nhamilton@enquirer.com