Catherine “Kitty” Dichtel Heffington, 71, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 12, at home in Newport News. Born to Charles Frederick and Peggy Jacob Dichtel. Kitty was as caring as they come and often was the life of the party. She graduated from Ferguson High School and the College of William & Mary, learning much in and out of the classroom and accumulating many lasting friendships along the way.
In 1982, she married Terry Heffington, the love of her life. They were introduced by his mother at Temple Baptist Church. The two enjoyed traveling around in their gray Volvo, big red truck, or little black Cobalt.
Among many roles in business, she worked as a recruiter at Hampton General Hospital. She proudly served as Director of Kee Business College in Newport News and Alumni Director at CNU. She later worked at Virginia Electronic Commerce Technology Center (VECTEC).
Along the way, befitting her nickname, she nurtured dozens of cats, including some feral ones.
She is survived by nephew Edgar G. (Sonny) Dearth III and many cousins.
The family will receive visitors at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, at Temple Baptist Church, 235 Harpersville Road in Newport News, with a memorial service to follow immediately at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Peninsula Memorial Park, 12750 Warwick Boulevard in Newport News.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Temple Baptist Church, any animal rescue organization, or any cancer organization.