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DECEASED ALUM: KATHRYN MARY "KATHY" CRUZE - FHHS CLASS OF 1972
Kathy (L) poses with Dan Thomas & Kelly Myatt prior to Prom - 1972.
Our thanks to Kelly for lending us this photograph.
OBITUARY
Kathryn Mary Cruze
February 26, 1954 – July 1, 2025
Kathryn Mary Cruze passed away on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. She was 71. Kathryn attended Fort Hunt High School in Alexandria, Virginia, the University of Virginia (Phi Beta Kappa), and the University of Virginia School of Law. She was a practicing attorney for over 30 years, becoming a partner in the prominent New York City law firm Thacher, Proffitt and Wood. She spent her remaining years overlooking the Potomac River in Old Town, Alexandria, hosting many family gatherings and visiting friends.
Known by all for her razor sharp wit, Kathryn had a passion for travel worldwide, was a competitive Scrabble player, and tackled the Sunday New York Times Crossword Puzzle every weekend. Kathryn was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, godmother, wife, and friend.
She was preceded in death by her mother Yvonne Ducat Cruze, father Jack Donald Cruze, and sister Bonnie Jean. She is survived by her brother Greg Cruze (Claudia), former husband and remaining close friend Charles Dietzgen, her goddaughter Kathryn Adams, and 4 nieces and nephews: Heidi Pearson (Roger), Jared Cruze, Erin Granzow (Danny), and Jean Paul Rivero Cruze.
She will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved her. May she rest in peace, and be reunited with her mother, father, sister, and lifelong best friend, Julie Rakes, who passed in September 2022.
Contributions may be made in Kathryn’s name to the American Cancer Society.
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Joe Gililland (1973)
Kathy was a cheerleader at Fort Hunt and seemed to know everybody. She was very active at the school and was super smart and well-liked. Kathy moved back to Alexandria from NYC and attended Julie Hildebrand Rake's Memorial Service at Mount Vernon Country Club in 2022. Although restricted to a wheelchair, Kathy spoke to dozens of attendees and had not seemed to have lost any popularity. Although we were not close, I sat and spoke to her for 20 minutes as we had so many mutual friends. I'm so glad that I took the opportunity to spend time with her - of course, not knowing it would be our last conversation.
James David Gibbs (1972)
Such sad news and far too soon for her to leave us. And what a career!
I only wish I had known her better. Rest in peace, Kathy. You're home now.
Kelly Ann Myatt (St. Clair) (1972)
Kathy was a force of nature. Incredibly smart and talented...as well as so much fun to be around. I had a chance to visit her at her home in Alexandria not too long ago (with Sallie (Davis) Kerr). Despite her physical challenges Kathy was upbeat and we shared fun memories and a toast to the good old days! She will be sorely missed 💚💛 <>>
Catherine Ann Bowman (McWilliams) (1972)
Kathy was always very kind, receptive to those who were not popular...high school could be brutal. Blessed to know her. Rock the heavens with your BFF!.
Anne West Perkins (1972)
I was sad to read that Kathy had passed away. Sending my condolences to her family and friends. May she rest in peace.
Mark Johnson (1972)
I remember Kathy as funny, spirited and a joy to be around. So sorry to hear of the news. Too soon. Lost track of her after high school and I am sorry that happened. Very impressive career accomplishments. May she rest in peace.
Kevin Neil Keller (1973)
I was so very sorry to learn of Kathy's recent passing. We were close during her senior year. I well remember that she had a incredibly gifted mind, and a quick wit. May you rest in peace Kathy.