Kathleen Duryée

Kathy was born in San Francisco, California; the treasured daughter of Dave and Barbara Duryée

Kathy was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 and was cleared after surgery and chemo treatments. In early 2019, she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer which she so valiantly fought for two and a half years before it became unbeatable. Family and two of her devoted and close friends were with her when she succumbed at home in Concord.

Kathy fulfilled her life with education, many cherished friendships, humanitarian endeavors, and adventure.

While living with her father in San Diego, Kathy attended Granite Hills High School and excelled in writing and Spanish, which later became vital tools professionally. She later moved back to the Bay Area, first to the family home in Concord for a period; then followed by a move to San Francisco.

She waitressed till hired by Fedex, and also enrolled at San Francisco State University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in English Literature.

Putting a career on hold, Kathy joined the Peace Corps for two and a half years and was sent to the Dominican Republic for work in the health sector. Placed in a rural community in the Monte Cristi region and engaging her Spanish speaking skills, her assignments combined conducting lectures on the prevention of Aids and teaching the necessities for health and wellness. She encouraged the value of healthy foods and communally planted and harvested vegetable gardens.

Upon the end of her assignment with the Peace Corps, Kathy obtained work with the Red Cross in Honduras for several months.

Kathy realized her passion for humanitarian work and enrolled in the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey where she made many friends and received her master’s degree in Public Administration.

In 2005, Kathy became employed by World Vision and was sent to Banda Aceh to design programs to assist survivors of the massive 2004 tsunami.  As a program manager, Kathy wrote funding proposals to secure money for rebuilding homes and schools and other recovery activities.

Kathy’s supervisor granted Kathy’s request to become a monitoring and evaluation advisor to meet with people affected by disasters and determine what program was needed for recovery. She traveled extensively with her supervisor to help staff in Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, and Indonesia to monitor and reevaluate tsunami programs.

Kathy later joined the World Vision Rapid Response team, a group of people committed to traveling to disasters, alleviating suffering, and helping communities recover from difficult situations. 

 Her next assignment was in Africa, living and working in Lusaka, Zambia. Additionally, she traveled globally to some of the most hard-hit places, making sure World Vision’s work was relevant to the needs of the communities. Kathy made deep connections with World Vision staff in many countries. She left World Vision at the end of 2016, but the work she did continues to influence how things are done today.

Kathy’s humanitarian heart and spirit traversed the world covering 25 countries located in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Kathy’s next endeavor was to achieve a Ph.D. In 2017, she enrolled at Australia National University in Canberra, choosing “resilience” for her course of studies. She collected her data in the Philippines.

Kathy’s first round of cancer in 2010 was cleared after surgery and chemo treatments. In early 2019, she was diagnosed with metastasized breast cancer. During her two and a half year struggles she focused on her thesis, having to take breaks in between recoveries from treatments, then continuing until she was no longer able. Neared to completion, Kathy was posthumously awarded her “Doctorate in Philosophy.”

The collective joys and interests in Kathy’s life included casting her fishing line into waters globally; relishing her time in the kitchen often hosting dinners and parties – she was an excellent cook; sewing avidly, painting with acrylics, and knitting. She was well-read, a loyal fan cheering on her favorite Bay Area sports teams, and a seasoned traveler.  One of the lights of her life was engaging with her young nephew Andrei through technology while she was abroad, providing support for his studies and hailing his accomplishments. Her annual trips back home would include plans for interesting and fun outings together which has left him with fond memories. Kathy’s passion for pleasure travels took her to several European countries, China, Nepal, Santiago, Chili, Viet Nam, Mexico, Ireland, London, and parts of the U.S.

Kathy’s generous heart put others before herself. A devoted daughter and sister, she kept close contact with her mother and family regarding concerns of well-being. Beginning from high school to college, to her career, Kathy cultivated and cherished her many loyal and best friends from around the globe; and when called for, reached out with a supportive and helping hand. 

Kathy was predeceased by her dear father, Dave Duryée, on January 14, 1981, and stepdad, Mel McBeth, on June 11, 2020. She is survived by her devoted mother, Barbara McBeth; adored sisters, Michelle Lynch (Sean) and Jacquelyn Morris (Josh); nephew, Andrei Lynch; Aunt Carol Roach, Aunt Clarissa Dempster (Richard); cousins, Joy Bagley, (Richard) Debbie Lynch (Michael) Dee Owens (Sabina) Laura Duncan (Dan); bonus siblings, Rachel McBeth, Melinda Bauman (Jon), their sons Tyler and Theo, Erik McBeth (Wendy) and four daughters, Sarah, Amy, Karina, and Emily.

Kathy will be deeply missed and remembered by all who were touched by her loving, caring, and giving spirit. 

For anyone who wishes to donate, a foundation in Kathy’s name is set up to honor her, provide goodness and ensure her legacy lives on. Click here to learn more and donate.