A landscape representing the compassionate legacy of Kitty Dukakis.
Kitty Dukakis, the beloved wife of former Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis, has passed away at 88. Known for her advocacy on mental health and homelessness, Kitty’s compassionate spirit and candid approach to her own battles with addiction defined her lifetime of service. Her impact on mental health awareness continues to resonate, making her a beacon of hope for many. Family and friends honor her legacy, recognizing her tireless work to improve the lives of others.
In a somber moment for Massachusetts, Kitty Dukakis, the beloved wife of former Governor Michael Dukakis, has passed away at the age of 88. She died peacefully at her home in Brookline, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that spanned decades of advocacy, compassion, and a candid approach to mental health.
Kitty’s son, John Dukakis, shared that her cause of death was complications arising from dementia, a condition that shadowed her for some time. Her husband, Michael, who is now 91, is mourning the loss of his partner of many years.
Serving as Massachusetts’ First Lady during two separate terms from 1975 to 1979 and again from 1983 to 1991, Kitty Dukakis was not just a supportive spouse; she was a powerhouse in her own right. While her husband navigated the complicated waters of politics—including his 1988 run for the presidency against George H. W. Bush—Kitty made her own mark, championing issues of mental health, homelessness, and the welfare of refugees.
Kitty was refreshingly honest about her struggles with addiction and depression. In 1991, she opened up in her memoir, “Now You Know,” detailing her own battle with alcoholism. Following her candid revelations, she became a prominent advocate for mental health, openly sharing her experiences to help others facing similar challenges. Her bravery paved the way for greater awareness and understanding, helping to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
In 2001, Kitty chose to pursue electroconvulsive therapy to combat her depression. Her willingness to allow a major news program to film her sessions demonstrated her commitment to educating the public about mental health treatments. This experience inspired her second book, “Shock: The Healing Power of Electroconvulsive Therapy,” published in 2006, further establishing her as a voice for those struggling with mental health disorders.
Her advocacy did not stop there. Lemuel Shattuck Hospital in Jamaica Plain honored her work by naming an addiction treatment center after her, acknowledging her significant contributions to treatment and recovery. During Michael’s presidential campaign, Kitty actively shared her narrative with high school students, resonating with young people and fostering conversations about mental health and addiction.
Kitty Dukakis held a variety of roles throughout her life. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Lesley College in 1963, the same year she celebrated her marriage to Michael Dukakis. She later achieved two master’s degrees from Boston University, one in communication and another in social work, which further enhanced her ability to advocate for those in need.
Beyond her own struggles, Kitty took to heart the plight of the homeless and worked tirelessly on behalf of Vietnamese and Cambodian refugees during her time in the public eye. Colleagues, such as former Secretary of Health and Human Services Phil Johnston, remember her as a tireless advocate for social justice.
After her passing, family members highlighted her sensitivity and profound love for all people—traits that have not only defined her life but also inspired many. Governor Maura Healey and Senator Elizabeth Warren both recognized Kitty as a force for good in public life. She devoted her time to important causes, serving on the President’s Commission on the Holocaust and as a founding member of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, among other roles.
The Dukakis family and countless others will remember Kitty for her courage, advocacy, and loving spirit, ensuring her legacy will continue to touch lives for years to come. In a world often set back by stigma and misunderstanding surrounding mental health, Kitty Dukakis stood as a beacon of hope, reminding us all of the importance of compassion and understanding.
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