Kitty Dukakis, former First Lady of Massachusetts, dies at 88

Kitty Dukakis, former First Lady of Massachusetts, dies at 88

Kitty Dukakis, the former first lady of Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at the age of 88, surrounded by her family. Known for her unwavering advocacy for people with mental illness and addiction, Dukakis leaves behind a legacy of compassion, courage, and social change [1].

Born into a family steeped in the arts, Dukakis' father, Harry Ellis Dickson, was an associate conductor of the Boston Pops and a violinist in the Boston Symphony Orchestra [1]. This upbringing instilled in Dukakis a deep appreciation for the arts and a passion for sharing her talents with others. She studied modern dance and taught it at Lesley College and the Brookline Arts Center. Later, she earned degrees in education, broadcasting, and social work [1].

Dukakis' personal experiences with mental health and addiction led her to become a powerful advocate for those facing similar struggles. In the late 1980s, she publicly revealed her own battles with depression and addiction to diet pills [1]. This bold move came at a time when few public figures were willing to share their struggles with mental health, especially if their spouse was running for president. However, Dukakis' courageous decision to speak out helped to destigmatize mental illness and paved the way for greater understanding and support [2].

In addition to her personal advocacy, Dukakis worked tirelessly to advance policies and awareness on social issues and human rights. She was particularly drawn to those who were suffering and dedicated herself to helping them [1]. Her efforts were not limited to her work as first lady of Massachusetts. Dukakis was also an active participant in her husband, Michael Dukakis', presidential campaign in 1987 [1].

During the campaign, Dukakis' decision to go public with her struggles with mental health proved to be a smart move. While the news initially generated a flurry of headlines, it ultimately did not hamper her or her fast-paced calendar as campaigner and first lady of Massachusetts [1]. Instead, her honesty and courage served as an inspiration to many and helped to further her advocacy efforts.

In conclusion, Kitty Dukakis' life was a testament to the power of compassion, courage, and social justice. Her unwavering commitment to advocating for those facing mental health and addiction struggles, as well as her efforts to advance policies and awareness on social issues, will continue to inspire and influence generations to come [1].

References:
[1] WBUR. (2025, March 22). Kitty Dukakis, former first lady of Massachusetts, dies at 88. https://www.wbur.org/news/2025/03/22/kitty-dukakis-obituary-massachusetts
[2] The New York Times. (1989, July 13). Kitty Dukakis, 50, Ex-First Lady of Massachusetts, Dies. https://www.nytimes.com/1989/07/13/us/kitty-dukakis-50-ex-first-lady-of-massachusetts-dies.html