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Life story

" Catherine Dawn Kidwell went to be with her Lord and Savior on June 19, 2026.
Born in Salem, West Virginia, in 1955, Cathy was the second daughter of the late Jennings Eugene Adams and Barbara Ann (Hall) Adams. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul L. Kidwell.
She is survived by her devoted daughter and caregiver, Kimberly Gaskin; daughter, Paulette Kidwell; and son, Corey Kidwell. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Corey and Caleb Kidwell, Zoe Moragne, Greyson Gaskin, and Paige and Kendra Kidwell. Cathy is survived by her siblings, Debby Rodriguez (Raul), David Adams (Sandy), Connie Adams, and Ronnie Adams. She was also survived by numerous cousins, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. Special mention to close friend Elena Booth (Ricky).
Cathy graduated from Salem High School in 1973 and attended Salem College. Around 1975, she moved to the Washington, D.C. area, where she began her career in the federal government. She later transitioned into the legal field, serving as a Legal Administrative Assistant for much of her career at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius and Foley & Lardner.
While Cathy enjoyed a successful professional career, she was perhaps best known for her beautiful singing voice and love of the performing arts. Throughout the years, she performed in community theater productions, church choirs, weddings, and local shows, including performances at the Lazy Susan Dinner Theatre. Among her most memorable roles were Mrs. Potts in Beauty and Beast (Northern Virginia Players), Widow Corney in Oliver (multiple productions), Aunt Eller in Oklahoma (Lazy Susan Dinner Thearter), Maria in Me and My Girl (Lazy Susan Dinner Thearter), Domina in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (McLean Community Players), Vera Sanders in Smoke on the Mountain (Lazy Susan Dinner Thearter), Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music (St. Mark’s Players), and The Hallelujah Chorus at the Kennedy Center.
Cathy loved attending performances at the Kennedy Center and frequently traveled to New York City to enjoy Broadway productions. She also embraced every opportunity to travel, whether it was a cruise, a summer beach vacation, a winery tour, or a visit to a historic destination. If an adventure was calling, Cathy was always ready to go.
One of Cathy’s greatest joys was spending time with family and friends. Known as the life of the party, she never missed an opportunity to celebrate special occasions and create lasting memories. She loved cooking, but her true passion was baking delicious desserts, especially during the Christmas season. Above all, she treasured the time she spent with her grandchildren. Each of them carries special memories of their beloved Nana and the love she shared so generously.
Cathy was also a passionate and devoted fan of the Washington Redskins, later known as the Washington Commanders. As a longtime season ticket holder, she attended home games through rain, snow, sleet, or sun. She arrived hours early to tailgate, watch warmups, and fully enjoy game day. She was even a part of the WOW (Women of Washington) which allowed her to attend fancy gatherings and meet players. Cathy loved sharing the experience with family and friends and could talk football with anyone. She was a frequent caller to sports radio station 106.7 The Fan, where she enthusiastically discussed her beloved team. In one memorable call, she recounted an incident involving a few thrown punches and an injured nose—a story that earned her free hockey tickets and became one of her favorite tales to tell.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Cathy’s life on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Freedom Church located at 12 Flatford Rd, Stafford VA 22554.
In honor of Cathy’s love for the Washington Redskins/Commanders, guests are encouraged to wear their favorite team attire. Cathy loved flowers, and floral tributes are welcome. For those who wish, memorial donations may also be made to an Alzheimer’s charity of their choice in the hope that future generations may be spared the challenges of this disease.
Though she will be deeply missed, Cathy’s love, laughter, faith, and vibrant spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

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