Catherine "Kit" Elizabeth (Olmert) Mcginnis

Gainesville, VA - Catherine “Kit” Elizabeth McGinnis passed peacefully on Thursday morning, March 24th, 2022 after a long illness. Kit was born in Washington, D.C. to her parents, the late Robert F. Olmert and Sue Larue Lucy Olmert. A fiercely independent woman, Kit lived her life the way that she wanted. She was fearless with a wonderful sense of humor. Dance was a tremendous part of Kit’s life. Early in her career, she studied classical ballet and passed her entrance exam for The Royal Academy of Dance. She danced with Philadelphia Civic Ballet and Penn City Dancers. Kit brought a stellar reputation as a ballroom dance instructor to Elegant Dancing in Fairfax, VA where she quickly earned the respect and admiration of her students for her ability to get the best out of each of them. When not dancing or working, Kit could be found on horseback as an accomplished equestrian. She rode competitively in One-Day Horse Trials competing in dressage, cross country jumping and stadium jumping. Kit was an extensive world traveler, loving various countries but Italy especially. She was never happier than when she was taking Italian language classes, preparing food to go together with her favorite Italian wine, or vacationing in Tuscany. She used to refer to it as a “little piece of heaven.” Kit was an amazing aunt to her nieces and nephews. She was an avid card sender and never forgot a birthday. Left behind to cherish Kit’s memory are her siblings, Rusty Olmert, Lindsey Olmert, William Olmert, James Olmert and Keith Olmert; several beloved nieces and nephews as well as many friends, colleagues and students. Because of Kit’s love for the environment, she was laid to rest at The Dell natural burial site at Vale Cemetery in Schenectady, New York. Kit’s bright spirit, captivating smile, and positive energy will be sorely missed and always remembered by those whose lives she’s touched.