Kathryn Brinn Dicus

YORKTOWN - Kathryn Brinn Dicus, 59, died at home on June 12, 2004, after a long illness. Her last weeks were spent at home in the care of her loved ones in full view of the magnificent garden she had created. Kathryn was born on Nov. 4, 1944, in Newport News and lived on the Peninsula her entire life. Her parents were Robert Elliott Brinn of Hertford, N.C., and Monterey Cartwright Brinn of Elizabeth City, N.C. Kathryn graduated from Newport News High School in 1962 and received a B.A. in English from Mary Washington College in 1966. A skilled and dedicated teacher, Kathryn taught English at Kecoughtan High School in Hampton for several years before retiring to raise her children. After a break of some years she became a teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) in adult education. Later she taught ESOL to elementary students in Newport News for 19 years. She finished her teaching career Lee Hall Elementary School where she co-chaired the school improvement team. Kathryn was outspoken, a person of definite opinions and firm convictions. She was a passionate advocate for women's rights, the value of education, funding for public education, the needs of students - particularly ESOL students and working conditions of teachers. She was a member of the American Association for University Women and Delta Kappa Gamma, honorary sorority. She was an active member of Yorkminster Presbyterian Church and served on the Architectural Review Committee. Her love of flowers, shrubs, trees and most especially birds is evident around her home. She was an enthusiastic traveler to distant places with her husband. She celebrated the variety and diversity of people and culture at home and abroad. Kathryn was an excellent cook and an aficionado of fine wine and foods to be shared with good company. She leaves to cherish her memory Dennis, her husband of 36 years; her daughter, Susan; her son, Mark and his wife, Lara; and her grandsons, Charlie and Patrick. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 19, at Yorkminster Presbyterian Church with a reception to follow in the fellowship hall. The family will also receive friends at the family home on Friday, June 18, between 7 and 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Yorkminster Presbyterian Church for a prayer garden. Amory Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Published in the Daily Press from 6/14/2004 - 6/16/2004