Kathryn G. Washburn, 76, of Fort Wayne, died Friday June 26, 2026. She was born in Chicago on October 19, 1949, the daughter of (the late) William and Lillian (Hoffman) Washburn.

Kathryn was born in Chicago the last of 3 children. She had an eclectic life with numerous twists and turns. From a bank teller in San Francisco in early 70s to running a daycare in Port Angeles, Washington. She then moved back to California and managed apartments, worked procuring wastepaper to recycle, She then became an airline stewardess traveling to Europe, the Middle East and S America. A path that changed her life.

As a stewardess she met her first husband, Joe, in Rio de Janeiro. They had two incredible children, Matthew McGinley of Durham NC and Kaitlin McGinley who now resides in Charlotte NC. They both gave to Kathryn her hearts delight, two grandchildren each. Dylan, and Bella, Kortney and Kaylee. A living in NC.

After parting ways with Joe, Kathryn enrolled in school to become a surgical tech. which led her to Duke University in Durham NC. She advanced to be part of the transplant team and assisted with major vascular surgeries. It was here that she met and eventually married Terry Kelly an ER nurse. They both knew from the first date it was a match that was meant to be.

Kathryn was not yet done with resume. Twenty years of 0530 wake up, wearing green scrubs and being yelled at by scalpel wielding surgeons was enough. She decided real estate was the answer. She became a realtor. She loved helping people find just the right home while nattily dressed.

She moved once again, back to the Midwest to be closer to Terry’s family and enjoy the cooler weather. She was a kind, smart, funny, loving,“force to be reckoned with” Her presence will continue to be felt by many. Lucky us.

Arrangements through Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave. There are no services currently scheduled; however you may share a remembrance of Kathryn or offer your condolences at DivineMercyFuneralHome.com. 

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