Kathleen "Kathy" Allen Duncan

Kathleen “Kathy” Allen Duncan

January 4, 1952 – September 10, 2025

Reminding us all to lead with compassion, help a neighbor, and make sure the squirrels are well fed, Kathleen Allen Duncan said goodbye and began her next journey on September 10, 2025 at the age of 73. Kathy was known for running late – something she herself joked about – but her final goodbye came much too early.

She was a fierce advocate for others, insisting that civility and treating others with respect – regardless of differences – was essential in life. If someone needed a hand, Kathy was there, never asking for anything in return. People always knew they could count on her, and she often made you part of the family in her own way.

A service will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 4 at St. David’s Episcopal Church, 3916 SW 17th Street, with assistance from Dove Cremation and Funerals. More information can be found at https://www.dovetopeka.com/obituaries/kathleen-duncan

Born in Lawrence, KS, on January 4, 1952 at 3:01 a.m. and raised in Topeka (in the same home she raised her family) she graduated from Topeka West High School in 1970, then went to the University of Kansas. It was there she met, in her words, “this Chicago guy who was smart and pretty good looking” in R.E. “Tuck” Duncan. They married in May of 1974 on a Saturday morning and went on to enjoy 51 years together. Though Kathy would jokingly say the secret to their long marriage was, “Tuck travels a lot!” their bond was obvious to anyone who saw them, especially when they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary surrounded by family and friends.

Together, they raised three sons (Spencer, Ryan and Joro) and a granddaughter (Tessa), while spending their time together filling their home with art and antiques, attending the theatre, actively participating in the lives of their children, grandchildren and nieces, constantly engaging in the community and always participating in lively debates about the world around them.

There is no question Kathy loved her sons, talking with them each on an almost daily basis. And while they understood her love for them was unquestionable, it was only her granddaughter – Tessa – that got the trip to Disneyworld! Nanny and Poppy (as Tessa calls them) made sure Tessa was surrounded with love and support. As Tessa says, Nanny gave her the most important thing she needed – “a safe place.”

Kathy’s life was abundant with opportunities that she embraced. In her youth, she was the 1969 Kansas Safety Queen and a State Debate Champion. At the University of Kansas, she was elected Vice President of the KU Student Senate (with Tuck as her campaign manager). She served as a reporter for the Pictorial Times in Topeka and was head of Public Relations for USD 501. She also managed the Topeka Club at the top of Merchants Bank.

She met several Presidents during her time, interviewing Gerald Ford as a reporter and meeting Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

Her love of Christmas shone through each season as she created an expansive Snowman Village, taking gentle care to recreate a distinct new scene from the year before, depicting the life of these frozen friends. Serious contemplation occurred each year deciding which Snowpeople would make the cut!

Kathy had a love of the Jewish faith from her days as a child when she spent time at synagogue with a neighborhood family. However, she was a longtime member of St. David’s Episcopal Church, where for years she taught Sunday School, led the Youth Group, and organized Summer Bible School.

Kathy was a longtime board member and enthusiastic champion of Ballet Midwest and dance in Topeka, President of the Capital Area Democratic Women, a committed Democrat, and took her turn running the Pepper Tree Homeowners Association. For two decades she served as a democratic precinct committeewoman, and at one point, she and Tuck held opposite positions, as he was the republican precinct committeeman – a testament to her belief that differences need not stand in the way of working toward shared success.

She was a dedicated supporter of the Jayhawk Theatre in downtown Topeka, serving as a long-time board member and she and Tuck donated adjoining property critical to the future of the project.

Her passions were many: art (only the good stuff, naturally), antiques (especially her beloved Hull pottery), feeding every bird and squirrel in sight, and trying adventurous recipes that sometimes delighted and occasionally stretched her family’s definition of dinner (such as substituting liver for ground beef and thinking they wouldn’t notice.) Her love of squirrels extended beyond just watching– it included making sure they were well fed in the courtyard daily, and all were welcome.

She loved her pets – from Mighty Manfred the dog who was part of the family the day she and Tuck were married, to cats Oscar and Pendleton who miss her today – and all the lizards, dogs, cats, rabbits, and turtles in between.

Kathy had her dislikes. She lived in the heart of Topeka where the 1966 Tornado struck, forever giving her an aversion to incoming severe storms. And while she loved those squirrels, mice and bats were her sworn enemy.

She was preceded in death by her parents Kenneth Allen and Norma Hudson; her sister Kala Hisel; her stepfather Henry Hudson; and many beloved family members who no doubt have welcomed her warmly.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Tuck; her children Spencer Duncan (Barbara) of Topeka, Ryan Duncan of Lawrence, and Joromono Martin of Topeka; her grandchildren Theresa Olorunfumi (Victor) of Wichita and Connor Heller of Topeka; and her great-grandson Gabriel Olorunfumi. She also leaves behind siblings Hank Hudson (Jeanne) of Topeka, Mark Hudson (Julie) of Arlington, VA, and Laura Calton of Gainesville, FL; along with a crew of nieces and nephews: Lindsay Engelken (Mike); Ashley Hisel; Scott Hudson (Rachel); Rachel Hudson Heisterberg (Jon); Kelli Kirkeminde (Cole); Lauren Castillo (Carlos); Amberlee Smith; and Liam Smith.

We suggest the next time you see a squirrel snacking, you smile and think of Kathy. And let her memory guide you to offer help freely, just as she always did.

We know Kathy would ask you to take time and go to a Ballet Midwest performance, or any ballet. The family asks that, since there is no Topeka Squirrel Association, contributions be made in Kathy’s honor to the Cat Association of Topeka (www.topekacat.org)

The family thanks all who have offered prayers, support, help and much more these past few weeks and days.

Service are to be held at St. David’s Episcopal Church, 3916 SW 17th Street, Topeka October 4, 2025 at 10:30 a.m..
For now, we grieve, we celebrate her life, we remember her for all she was and gave us.

Dove Cremations and Funerals, Southwest Chapel in Topeka is assisting the family.

To share a memory of Kathleen or leave a special message for family, visit the guestbook below.