Katherine "Kathie" Dudzinski

Katherine "Kathie" Whitcomb Dudzinski passed away at her home in Ft. Collins, Colorado during sunset on May 30, 2023, surrounded by her immediate family. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Peggy, brother Benji, sister-in-law, Una Whitcomb, and brother in law Andrew Dudzinski. She is survived by husband Paul, son Mark (Miriam Ban), and daughter Teresa "T" (Ron Johnson), her grandchildren Eliza Maleski, Gábor and Iliamna Ban Dudzinski, sister Judy, brother Stuart, many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Kathie was a huge, compassionate force, with a big heart and more optimism than perhaps any person we have known. Her sparkly smile would light up the room, always so welcoming even at first meeting. She always wanted the best for everyone, making sure people had what they needed, whether they knew they needed it or not. She was all about experience and connection, attention to detail, and big picture. Rarely at loss for words, it was usually less about her and more about others in an attempt to connect us all. She was truly the embodiment of six degrees of separation. Kathie wanted to share her experiences for all the joys and wonders they brought her - desiring to share that with everyone she met. A fabulous cheerleader and optimist, she encouraged people to pursue their dreams and best selves. Not one to disparage others, she would look for the good in everyone. She was everyone's champion. Ever desiring for people to be comfortable and at home, she was always welcoming, even when not feeling herself. Rarely admitting to pain or discomfort, she was a master of putting everyone else first. The limits of her powerful and quiet strength were really only seen at the end of her remarkable and beautiful life. We will miss all that she was, yet know she travels on with us, reminding us daily that we are all connected to each other and the planet.

At her request, there will be a party in her honor later this summer. For those unable to attend, have an adventure, gather with family, go on a bike ride, a hike, a ski, enjoy time with friends or family, raise a glass, take a class, enjoy nature, whatever it is that brings you joy, and think of her. Pass on the kindness and connection. Please feel free to add thoughts, pictures or videos here related to Kathie, and In lieu of flowers or if you are interested in doing something in her name, here are some suggestions.

Memorial suggestions:
Planting or donating a tree Memorial bench
Donation to NoCo Community Foundation Donation to your favorite charity in Kathie's name

Kathie's Life:
Born Katherine Frances Whitcomb to Dr. Benjamin B. and Margaret Pike Whitcomb in Hartford, CT on 11/11/1941, she was also welcomed by her older brother Stu. She was followed by her sister Judy and little brother, Benji. The 6 Whitcombs had many good times with extended family and friends throughout the Northeast over the years. She graduated from Oxford School in Hartford and attended Wheaton College, graduating in the class of 1963. There she forged lifelong friendships and lasting memories. After college, she joined the Army as a 2nd lieutenant and was ultimately stationed in Denver as a first lieutenant where she completed her training as a physical therapist. She was working at Fitzsimmons hospital in September 1964 when she met Paul Dudzinski, a surgeon and captain in the Army. He was a Polish refugee of WWII who had recently emigrated from Argentina. As they had lunch on a September day in 1964, she was intrigued by this adventurous fellow. They started courting and she said to herself, " Oooh, this is going to be good!", she was right. That Christmas he managed to get enough leave to travel back east to meet Kathie's parents and ask her father for her hand in marriage. As a Christmas gift, Dr. Whitcomb enjoyed giving Paul a very large, wrapped box

which contained a series of smaller wrapped boxes, one within the other. In the final box, to everyone's amusement was a glove with a note reading, "My Daughter's Hand". Kathie and Paul were thrilled to be engaged and they married the following March,1965 starting a nearly 60 year adventure together. Early days included Canyonlands off-road fun in their converted VW bus with a Corvair engine, skiing, hiking and mountaineering in the Colorado Rockies, trips to South America, and across the US.

In 1968 they welcomed their son Mark, and 20 months later their daughter Teresa (T). The family moved to Ft. Collins, building their home and settling in. Wonderful parents, they were determined to continue their adventurous ways. The two children soon found themselves in kid-carriers, on skis, on bikes, on hikes, in boats on the lake, and out in the mountains from times before they can remember. Family adventures and travels were the norm, a tradition that is continued with the next generation. A cases in point, Kathie body-surfing on her 70th birthday with her, then 10 year old, granddaughter Eliza or riding stoker on the tandem at 80 years of age with her son and 2 year old grandson.

Kathie returned to her work as a PT in the early 1980's in the Poudre R-1 schools working with students and then continued in private practice until the 1990's. She very much enjoyed working with children, particularly those with cerebral palsy.

She and Paul retired in the late 1990's and their new endeavors were to bike, ski, travel and see the world with family and friends. They made the most of their "golden years" and have incredible memories - with Kathie's copious photos serving as lasting reminders. She and Paul also volunteered medically overseas in Vietnam and South America. They forged new friendships and took on new activities in the OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) programs at CSU. Classical music enthusiasts, she and Paul supported the Fort Collins symphony and often would seek out concerts during their travels. Kathie renewed her interest in playing the piano, taking instruction, and having recitals for a number of years. She also enjoyed her yoga and Tai-Chi practice, book group, and was a dedicated PT patient - faithful in her exercises until the very end.

For almost 60 years Kathie and Paul have been constant companions, playmates, parents, travelers, adventurers, and soul mates. They have stood by each other sharing their lives and the lives of their children and grandchildren, extended family, and many, many friends. She knew how lucky she was and wanted that same fortune for everyone. Paul stood by her side, even as lung cancer wrested her away. He continues his adventuring at her behest and wishes.

We wish to thank everyone for all of the help, love, company, food, support, and kindness over the years, particularly during the last few months. Kathie wanted you all to know how grateful she was and that she loved you all. We are so lucky to have such wonderful and dedicated family members, friends, and neighbors. Sincere thanks to her Pathways Hospice care team, your care of Kathie and our family made a difficult time and process easier to bear. Special thanks to Brad Ott, the other therapists and staff at Rebound, and to Cathy Brown Berry. Kathie worked so hard to keep her body functioning and relatively pain-free under your direction. Thank you to everyone that touched Kathie's life, she will have remembered you all.

In her memory: Live well, adventure on, be kind to all you meet, and remember we are all connected.