A Life Rooted in Advocacy and Public Service

Boston, MA — Born Katharine Dickson on December 26, 1936, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Kitty was the daughter of Harry Ellis Dickson, a conductor with the Boston Pops Orchestra. Her upbringing in a culturally rich environment fostered a lifelong appreciation for the arts and public service. In 1963, she married Michael Dukakis, a partnership that would become a cornerstone of her public life.  

As First Lady of Massachusetts during her husband’s terms from 1975 to 1979 and 1983 to 1991, Kitty Dukakis championed numerous causes, including women’s rights, environmental issues, and the arts. Her commitment to public service was evident through her active participation in various organizations and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of others.  

Turning Personal Struggles into Advocacy

Kitty Dukakis faced personal battles with depression and addiction, challenges she confronted with remarkable openness.

Her candidness about her struggles, including her experience with alcoholism and her journey toward recovery, broke societal stigmas and paved the way for more open discussions about mental health.  

In her memoir, Now You Know, published in 1990, she detailed her experiences with addiction and recovery, offering hope and insight to countless individuals facing similar challenges.

Her advocacy extended to promoting electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as a viable treatment for severe depression, a subject she explored in her 2006 book, Shock: The Healing Power of Electroconvulsive Therapy, co-authored with Larry Tye.  

Champion for Human Rights and Holocaust Education

Beyond her work in mental health, Kitty Dukakis was a staunch advocate for human rights and Holocaust education.

Appointed by President Jimmy Carter to the President’s Commission on the Holocaust, she played a pivotal role in the establishment of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Her dedication to preserving the memory of the Holocaust and educating future generations underscored her commitment to justice and historical awareness.  

A Legacy of Compassion and Resilience

Throughout her life, Kitty Dukakis demonstrated an unwavering commitment to helping others, transforming her personal adversities into a platform for advocacy and support.

Her efforts have left an indelible mark on the fields of mental health, addiction recovery, and human rights. Her legacy serves as a testament to the power of resilience and the impact of using one’s experiences to foster understanding and change.

Kitty Dukakis is survived by her husband, Michael Dukakis, their three children—John, Andrea, and Kara—and seven grandchildren. Her family continues to honor her memory by supporting the causes she held dear, ensuring that her spirit of compassion and advocacy endures.

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Tags: Kitty Dukakis, Michael Dukakis, Massachusetts, First Lady, mental health advocate, addiction recovery, public service, women’s rights, human rights, Holocaust education, electroconvulsive therapy