Kathleen Miniutti Rhodes

Kathleen "Kathy" Miniutti Rhodes

February 21, 1955 - February 3, 2026

Kathleen "Kathy" Miniutti Rhodes, of Biddeford, Maine, passed away unexpectedly on February 3, 2026, of natural causes related to her heart. She was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Kathy brought a great amount of energy and fun into many of life's celebrations, and she will be deeply missed.

Kathy lived in Dallas, Texas for more than 30 years, where she built a full life and a wide circle of friendships that meant the world to her. Although she lived in several places over the years, Dallas was where she spent the longest chapter of her adult life, working for many years as a legal assistant and forming lasting connections in her community.

Kathy was always an active participant in life and saw the importance of making memories, something she was especially good at. In Dallas, she created the "Texas Tortilla Queens," a cherished group of friends who brought their festive spirit to community celebrations and parades. As they liked to say, "tossing 12,000 green tortillas in a tiara while waving to the crowd does take a Texas-sized effort," and Kathy delighted in being right at the center of it all.

Kathy was an avid sports fan, especially of the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox, and she loved the tradition of game days. She also embraced an active and adventurous life, and loved to travel and explore new places. In her earlier years, she was an enthusiastic cyclist and runner, running marathons and organizing group cycling excursions in the hill country of Texas. She looked forward to the Hotter'N Hell bike ride each year, and the annual Turkey Trot was one of her favorite ways to celebrate her favorite season, autumn.

In recent years, Kathy was grateful to return to Maine, something she described as life coming "full circle," and she found comfort in being back near the coast and her roots. The beach was truly Kathy's "happy place." She loved the ocean and found peace in the Maine coastline, especially in the moonrises and quiet beauty of the water, moments she captured and shared often. She was also very loved by the folks at Southridge Rehabilitation & Living Center, where she had recently begun a new job and felt she was making a difference in the lives of others.

More than anything, Kathy was so very proud of her family. From the day one friend met her, she shared stories of her parents, sisters, brothers, and nieces and nephews. As that friend put it, "the pure happiness of having her large Miniutti family was Kathy's biggest claim to fame." Affectionately called "Chatty Kathy," she loved staying in touch and sharing stories with the people in her life, and many will remember the warmth and enthusiasm she carried into the lives of others. In the past year, her passion for sports earned her another playful nickname of "Sporty Kathy" among neighbors and Mainers who knew her locally.

Kathy was the fifth of ten siblings. She is survived by her sisters and brothers: Peggy Wilson (late husband Don), Michael Miniutti (Terri), Mary Fleurant (Don), Jane Miniutti (Steve Hayes), John Miniutti, Carol Blau (Jeff), and Dave Miniutti (Michelle); and her sister-in-law Aline Miniutti (wife of the late Patrick Miniutti). She is also survived by ten beloved nieces and nephews and ten great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Catherine (Neary) Miniutti and Amedeo "Jack" Miniutti, and her brothers Patrick Miniutti and Bill Miniutti.

A celebration of Kathy's life will be held at a later date, with details to be shared in the coming weeks.

For those who wish to make a memorial contribution in Kathy's memory, the family has suggested the following organizations and causes:

Don Wilson Memorial Fitness Center – Contributions may be directed toward improvements to the Don Wilson Memorial Fitness Center at Biddeford High School (named in memory of her late brother-in-law). A 1973 graduate of BHS and captain of the cheerleading squad, Kathy's love of sports and fitness was lifelong. https://givebutter.com/DonWilsonFitnessCenter

Biddeford Food Pantry – Donations may be made to the Biddeford Food Pantry in Kathy's hometown of Biddeford. Support may be given through financial gifts, food donations, or volunteer service. https://biddefordfoodpantry.org/

Community Harvest – Memorial contributions may also be made to Community Harvest, which helps provide fresh food to Maine families in need. https://www.communityharvestmaine.org/