Kathryn Dalton Dutcher

After multiple illnesses, Kathryn Dutcher, 62, of Arlington, VA, passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 6, 2023. A true competitor in all things, Kathy’s grit, determination, and willpower saw her through lifelong medical challenges and enabled her to live fully and richly with the people she loved.

Kathy was preceded in death by her father, Arthur J. Dalton; mother, Constance Joyce Dalton; and two sisters, Constance Maggio and Madeline Malone. She is survived by her loving husband of 36 years, Tim; her daughter, Jenna (Jen); and her beloved granddaughter, Amelia. Kathy is also survived by her siblings Ellen Milantoni, Arthur (Ginger) Dalton, Elizabeth Dalton, Susan (Jim) Dickinson, Christopher (Lisa) Dalton, and Paul (Ana Gabriela) Dalton. She leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews.

Kathy wasn’t one to take time for granted — nor was she known to sit still. From gardening to playing tennis, long-distance walking to spinning a tall tale, she remained in constant motion, never waiting for fun to arrive before proactively making it for herself and others. “Chatty Kathy” was the life of the party, always ready with a twinkle in her eye, a smile, and a story for anyone who would listen.

She was also a sales person extraordinaire — able to sell ice even at the North Pole. From clothing sales at American Eagle Outfitters to nutrition counseling at Physicians Weight Loss Centers; telecommunications sales at Sprint Corporation to paper sales at Mead; and, finally, pharmaceutical sales at G.D. Searle, she was successful in each adventure and always passionate about the pursuit of the sale. Most of all, she enjoyed the interactions with the interesting personalities she met along the way.

From her idyllic childhood in St. Paul, MN and fun-filled high school years in Pittsburgh, PA to her fondly remembered time at the University of Dayton, Kathy made lifelong friends at every stage. All recall good-hearted schemes and mischief that livened up each and every situation. Once a preschool teacher and religious education instructor, Kathy’s exuberant and boisterous personality also made her a Pied Piper for kids of all ages. The genuine sparkle in her eye let you know that she loved her granddaughter most of all, though. No matter the age, no matter the community, Kathy’s winning personality garnered widespread admiration from those she met, and she will be deeply missed.

The family would like to thank Kathy’s many doctors, nurses, and specialists throughout her life, and in particular the dedicated team of aides, nurses, therapists, and loving friends and family who cared for her at home for the final months of her illnesses.

A memorial gathering will take place on Friday, July 21 from 6-9 p.m. at Murphy Funeral Home, located at 4510 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22203. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 22 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Church, located at 1910 N Randolph St, Arlington, VA 22207. In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable donation to Donate Life America at DonateLife.net.