Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
KATHARINE DUKAKIS Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for KATHARINE DUKAKIS
Elizabeth McKenna
August 21, 2025
While Kitty was finishing up her Masters at BU, she worked at Charles River Hospital in Wellesley, MA. I had the joy and privilege of working alongside her as a counselor in the adult day treatment program for the few months she interned there. She knew I am Irish American, and we would have long talks about Ireland, which she had visited several times. By the end of her time there, I was very glad to call her my friend. God bless and keep you, Kitty.
Mike Eaves
May 11, 2025
My deepest condolences for the Dukakis family. May Kitty´s life and memory be a true blessing.
Shirley McDonald
April 2, 2025
A Love Story..I met Kitty the first day she came to register John for kindergarten at Lawrence. She was to marry Mike Dukakis and was so happy to start her new life back in Brookline.
We would run into each other from time to time over these many years..always warm and friendly as we reminisced about Brookline & our families. I always admired her from afar.
My sincere deepest sympathy in your loss of a wonderful woman.
Shirley (Flanagan) McDonald
Formerly Secretary of Lawrence School.
Howard Burkat
March 31, 2025
Kitty was my baby sitter when I attended the Lawrence School in Brookline. And her parents Jane and Harry often visited our houses in Brookline and Stockbridge (my father was Music Administrator of the BSO and the Pops.
What was she like in those days? Well over some years as a kid in Brookline I had many babysitters. But Kitty is the only one I remember. That says it all.
May her name be a blessing.
Karen Lema
March 30, 2025
Mike,
I am so sorry for your loss! Kitty I´m sure felt your LOVE because every time you mentioned her name your eyes lit up. I hope you can take solace in knowing I´m sure she felt the LOVE of such a good man. God Bless!
Karen Lema from Easton/Quincy
faith tobin
March 29, 2025
Dear Dukakis Family my condolences's.best faith may she rest in peace.
Serena Neslusan LMHC
March 29, 2025
My dearest condolences,
Many people sought help for their own pain because of Kitty´s vulnerability and openness about her own mental health journey. That´s beautiful!
Peace and light,
Serena Neslusan LMHC
Richard Kates
March 29, 2025
No better person who truly helped those trying to navigate the health care system. But more.
Pam and George Christodoulo
March 29, 2025
Dearest Dukakis Family,
On behalf of the Caragianes and Christodoulo families, we wish to extend our deepest sympathies. Kitty was an amazing woman who gave so much of herself to everything she touched. Whether teaching gym classes at Lesley, on the campaign trail, or as First Lady of Massachusetts, she demonstrated a grace and purpose that was admirable.
With much love,
Pam and George
Maureen Sullivan Santoro (Lesley College 1973)
March 29, 2025
With fond memories of Kitty teaching Helga´s classes at Lesley, while Helga recovered from surgery, my senior year. They were great friends who worked well together. They instilled hard work, dedication and good practice. It was a pleasure!
Rest In Peace, Kitty!
Michael Sullivan
March 28, 2025
To the Dukakis Family:
Please accept my deepest sympathies. Kitty had a tremendous impact on the many lives she touched. For our family she was also special for her participation in the dedication to the street corner on Western Ave in Cambridge in honor of her Dad. He and my mom were born in the same room in the house on Western Ave. - although many years apart. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Michael Sullivan
faith c.tobin/brad j/herscot
March 28, 2025
Dear Dukakis Family my condolences's on the loss of Kitty Dukakis.she'll be missed very much and may she rest in peace.best faith/brad
Dean Wilma Peebles-Wilkins
March 28, 2025
My sincere condolences in the loss of Mrs. Kitty Dukakis. She attended Boston University School of Social Work when I was Dean. I learned a great deal from her when we shared mutual life experiences. In many ways she was too learned for some of our classes. She was a wonderful human being. Dean Emerita Wilma Peebles Wilkins
Barbara Burke (aka Tatum)
March 26, 2025
Condolences to Governor Michael Dukakis and Family on the Loss of Kitty Dukakis. She was always friendly to me and I especially appreciated her work on behalf of those suffering from depression and mental health issues.
Laura B (c/o Renee F.) Morris
March 26, 2025
To Governor Dukakis and Family,
Please accept deepest condolences from Frank Morris (dec. 2005)´ family Laura B. Morris and her daughters, Renee and Michelle. We´ve lost contact over the years but keep you close in our hearts especially during this time.
David M Molloy
March 25, 2025
To the Dukakis Family,
Please accept my condolences on the passing of Kitty. Kitty was a wonderful person, who contributed greatly to improving the quality of life.
My Best to her husband Mike and Children.
Rachel ( Crowley) Gonzalez
March 24, 2025
Mike,John Andrea and Kara,
My heart goes out to all of you on the loss of your wife and your mom. She was such a beautiful person with a heart of gold. I have 2 very wonderful memories which I have always cherished up to this point and I will continue to do so from this day forward....one was Mike and Kitty coming to our house when my mom passed away and her helping my aunt pick out the clothes for my mom to be buried in.....the other was probably 4 years later one of the neighborhood trips to Nantucket and she kept making sure all the kids had food drinks and sunscreen.
My older sister babysat you guys when you were little. Thoughts and prayers for all of you and your families. Rest in the sweetest of peace Kitty. You are already missed.
Love,
Rachel ( Crowley) Gonzalez
Former Aspinwall Avenue resident
Steven Celani
March 24, 2025
So sorry to hear this take care governor the best governor Steve celani Peabody ma
Kimtraila Williams
March 24, 2025
Katherine Dukakis Family, I am so sorry to hear of this unexpected loss. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.My heart goes out to you after this sudden loss. You´re in my thoughts and prayers.I was so saddened to hear this shocking news. My heart goes out to you at this time of grief.
This is such a shock. All my best wishes to you and your family. Let President Barack Obama know that Kimtraila has said her last respect for your loved one.
Dana & Cheryl Moscardelli
March 24, 2025
Dear governor,
I am so sorry for your loss. I never thanked you for you and kitty´s phone call when my dad (jack moscardelli) died at 68 suddenly. My mother and I were appreciative. It was a sad and chaotic time. We wish you and your family well.
Sincerely,
Dana and Cheryl Moscardelli
Peter Brock
March 24, 2025
I first met Kitty when I was walking the streets of northern New Hampshire with Mike's close friends during his campaign for President. I found her to be gentle and kind. She has done so many things that have certainly left good memories with her family and acquaintances. She will be missed by all of us. My thoughts are with Mike and his family.
Claire R. Blum
March 24, 2025
I had the distinct privilege of attending a town public hall in Needham in 2018 where Mike and Kitty did a forum. He described his passions and pursuits and she was stately but quiet and has some vertigo. It was an illuminating display of the dynamic they had together.
I also worked on an anti-litter campaign for Mass DPW PR Dept. where Dukakis came and awarded the prize for winning slogan - which was one of his many priorities.
My mom also had ECT which was a great aid in turning around her depression too. She was very averse to discussing the treatments but it was the culture of her generation to not reveal mental health issues.
M
Keith Cody
March 23, 2025
I meet Kitty and her husband Governor Mike Dukakis in 2013, and she and her husband were the nicest people ever. It was an honor to meet her and her husband in 2013.
Rest in Peace Kitty Dukakis and thank you for always being a nice and wonderful person. Massachusetts was very lucky to have you as their first lady.
Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results
Make a Donation
in KATHARINE DUKAKIS's name
Memorial Events
for KATHARINE DUKAKIS
How to support KATHARINE's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor KATHARINE DUKAKIS's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
