ABOUT KATHY DAVEY
On February 21, 2026, Kathleen “Kathy” Davey, Downtown Duluth YMCA Member Experience Director, lifelong Duluthian, sister, grandmother, mother, and wife, passed away surrounded by her loving family.
From the very beginning, Kathy devoted herself to raising her three daughters at home—steady and calm, always present. She taught them not only right from wrong, but how to see the world through someone else’s eyes and to lead with fairness and compassion.
She brought those same gifts to her work at the Downtown Duluth Y for 10 years. Kathy was the welcoming face of the building and a steady presence for families, children, seniors, and her staff and colleagues. She helped raise tens of thousands of dollars to support vital Y programs and worked faithfully behind the scenes, serving others with humility and heart.
Kathy gave people opportunities with boundaries. She believed deeply that the Y was essential to the Downtown Duluth community. She didn’t just serve the mission; she invested in it as a donor herself.
The Kathy Davey Open Doors Program is in honor of Kathy’s open heart and generous spirit.