Kathi Heathcote Malechek, 74, of Nellysford, Virginia, passed away on Aug. 3, 2026.

Survivors include her husband, David Malechek; daughter, Jenny Swain; brother, Jimmy Heathcote, and five grandchildren. She was predeceased by daughter, Amy Thursfield Humphreys; mother, Sue Heathcote, and father, Carroll “Stuffy” Heathcote.

She was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Crofton, Md. She was a graduate of Martin Spaulding High School and later the University of Maryland, College Park, receiving a degree in education. She served as a teacher and a special education administrator in Wake and Durham counties in North Carolina and Gloucester and Mathews counties in Virginia.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at the Durham Public Schools Staff Development Center, 2107 Hillandale Road, Durham, N.C. Lunch will follow the service; dress is casual.

In lieu of flowers, make donations to the Jimmy V. Foundation or the Tunnels to Towers Foundation.