Kathleen Mary Smith's Obituary
Kathleen Smith, 59, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, passed away on Friday, June 13, 2025 following complications as a result of her diagnosis with adrenoleukodystrophy.
Kathleen was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1965 to Sandra and James Demotses. She grew up in Trumbull, Connecticut before moving to Virginia and graduating from Orange County High School. She went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia, her Master’s degree from the University of Mary Washington, and later, her Juris Doctorate from Southwestern University School of Law.
Kathleen’s experience as a claims adjuster prior to going to law school laid the groundwork for her career as an attorney specializing in personal injury law with Allen, Allen and Allen. Outside of the courtroom, Kathleen taught as an adjunct professor, sharing her love of the law and humanities with her students.
She loved playing pinochle with her parents and sister, as well as Phase 10 with her husband.
Kathleen is survived by her husband, Dennis Smith; father, Jim Demotses; sister, Beth Salaris; and the rest of her extended family. Her two Great Danes, Merlin and Guinevere, and cat, Grendel will greatly miss her, and her family fondly remembers her love of animals.
She was preceded in death by her mother, who passed away earlier this year.
A celebration of Kathleen’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, June 27, 2025 at Found and Sons Funeral Chapel, 10719 Courthouse Road, Fredericksburg.
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