Kitty Dukakis, the beloved wife of former Massachusetts Governor and 1988 Democrat presidential nominee Michael Dukakis, passed away on Friday at the age of 88. Her family announced her peaceful passing, surrounded by loved ones, after a long battle with illness.
Kitty Dukakis was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to public service and advocacy for mental health. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and her passing is a great loss to her family, friends, and the entire nation.
Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1936, Kitty was the daughter of Greek immigrants. She met her future husband, Michael Dukakis, while they were both students at Brookline High School. They married in 1963 and had three children together.
Kitty was a strong and independent woman who supported her husband’s political career while also pursuing her own passions. She was a passionate advocate for mental health and substance abuse treatment, having struggled with addiction herself. She openly shared her story in hopes of reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues and encouraging others to seek help.
In 1988, Kitty stood by her husband’s side as he ran for President of the United States. She was a constant presence on the campaign trail, charming voters with her warmth and grace. Despite their loss in the election, Kitty remained a dedicated and supportive partner to her husband, standing by him through his political career and beyond.
Kitty’s legacy extends far beyond her role as a political spouse. She was a fierce advocate for mental health, serving on numerous boards and committees and raising awareness for the cause. She also worked tirelessly to support women’s rights and was a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights.
Her passing has been met with an outpouring of love and condolences from politicians, activists, and citizens across the country. Former President Barack Obama described her as “a passionate advocate for those struggling with mental health and addiction” and praised her for her courage in sharing her own story.
Kitty Dukakis will be remembered as a kind, compassionate, and resilient woman who dedicated her life to making a positive impact on the world. Her legacy will live on through her family, her advocacy work, and the countless lives she touched.
In a statement, her family said, “Kitty was a force of nature who touched the lives of so many with her kindness, compassion, and unwavering dedication to making the world a better place. She will be deeply missed but her spirit will live on in all those she inspired.”
As we mourn the loss of Kitty Dukakis, let us also celebrate her life and the incredible impact she had on our society. She will forever be remembered as a trailblazer, a champion for mental health, and a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.
