Kathleen K. (Kagel) Hutchins 1941 – 2024

Born in Rye, NY, Kathleen K. (Kagel) Hutchins was the beloved daughter of the late Elizabeth (Todd) and Lewis Kagel. She spent her early years in Sherborn and Needham, Massachusetts, before settling in Princeton in 2003.

Kathleen was a proud graduate of Rye Country Day School and Smith College in Massachusetts, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in English. Her career began at Bell Labs and the Cheswick Center in Boston, Massachusetts, and culminated as an executive assistant at Turner Construction, where she worked for over two decades before retiring in 1991.

A tireless advocate for education, Kathleen served as the president of the Woman’s College Club of Princeton (2006-2009, 2014-2017, 2018-2021), passionately raising funds to support college tuition scholarships for deserving students. Her love of literature and learning was ever-present, and she was known as an avid reader. Kathleen also treasured her friendships, enjoying time playing bridge and making trips to New York City to take in theater performances.

A lifelong animal lover, Kathleen found great joy in caring for her cherished pet cats and dogs. She had a green thumb in the garden, a passion for travel, and a sharp mind that mastered both the New York Times crossword puzzle and Wordle.

A tribute to Kathy from Connie Loukatos:

Kathy was President for NINE years including the two years that we met on Zoom because of the pandemic.

She has given her time to numerous members that needed help throughout the years, driving them to meetings and trips, visiting members when sick, etc.

Her generosity was extraordinary.  She hosted breakfasts in January for the entire membership at the Nassau Club.  It was another opportunity for the members to meet and enjoy our friendships in beautiful surroundings. 

In addition, her wit was remarkable. Who else can discuss Lewis and Clark, the autobiography of Alice B. Toklas and make it fun and interesting?

We will all miss Kathy and her gigantic bowl of fruit at each meeting.