Shirley Marie Duncan

A memorial visitation for Shirley will be held Saturday, July 9, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Roselawn Funeral Home, 7500 N Clinton, Terre Haute, Indiana 47805, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM. Inurnment will immediately follow at Roselawn Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Duncan family may be shared at www.feeneyhornakshadeland.com.

Shirley Marie Gemmaka Duncan was the first-born daughter of Ozeata Marie (Masters) and John Franklin “Frank” Gemmaka. She entered their lives on January 15, 1938, born in Terre Haute, Indiana, at St. Anthony’s Hospital. Soon, two more siblings (Carolyn and James) joined the family. Sadly, Frank passed leaving the three young ones and their Mother.

Upon the passing of Shirley’s Father, her Mother married Charles Shaffer and added four more sisters to the family (Marilyn, Anita, Nancy and Norma). As the oldest of the seven, Shirley often took responsibility for looking after her siblings. She recounted stories of fiercely defending her one brother and held special places in her heart for each of her sisters. They all knew they were loved by her. They tolerated their older sister's "bossiness." They experienced her generosity, and they knew she was there for them.

Shirley attended Thornton School. She had many fond memories of being tutored by Ms. Devaney and remembered every word of the school song. Another song she loved and taught to all her children was the Gerstmeyer High School “fight song." She graduated from Gerstmeyer in 1955.

It was at Gerstmeyer that Shirley met her husband of 65 years, David Alexander Duncan. The two would have celebrated 66 years of marriage on June 30, 2022. They have three children, seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and another great-granddaughter who will soon join the family.

If you met Shirley, you heard about her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was quite proud of each of them and loved having them all together and spending individual time with them. When her grandchildren began adding to the family, she happily deemed herself and Dave as “The Greats." On her last day of life, Shirley spent much time telling family and all her nurses of her love for her husband, children, and the grands.

Shirley never met a stranger. Give her a few minutes, and she would know enough about someone to make you think she had known them for years. Often when traveling she would happen upon people with a Terre Haute or Indiana connection. She loved sharing her gift of hospitality by creating special “gathering” moments for many. Planning, making lists, and then hosting with good food and good conversations were her joys. As often as possible, Shirley made Thanksgiving an especially big event as her children and grandchildren gathered to celebrate. She loved decorating, creating themes, and the general feeling of having lots of people around.

The Duncans lived much of their lives in Terre Haute. In the 1980s, they moved to Carmel and then later to Kokomo, Indiana, where they lived for over 20 years. They then moved to Fishers, Indiana in the 2016.

Shirley’s primary work was as a homemaker. She also supported Dave’s businesses for years as the receptionist and scheduler. As a young woman she worked at Industrial Supply and St. Anthony’s Hospital. She also worked several years for J.C. Penney in Meadows Center. She and Dave were long-time members of Union Christian Church in Terre Haute and Highland Park and Morning Star Community Churches in Kokomo.

Shirley passed from this life on June 21, 2022, in Carmel, Indiana. She is survived by her husband David Alexander Duncan (Fishers, IN) and her children: Pamela Duncan Gilley of Annapolis, Maryland, David (Libby) Duncan of Carl Junction, Missouri, and Stephen (Lisa) Duncan of Carmel, Indiana. She has six grandchildren: Emilie (Jared) Lunt of Liberty, Missouri, Sarah (Michael) Blatt of Hanover, New Hampshire, Isaac (Kristin) Duncan of Indianapolis, Indiana, Alexander Duncan of Denver, Colorado, Jackson (Madeline) Duncan of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Bryce (Samantha) Duncan of Indianapolis, Indiana, and is “The Great” to: Grace Blatt, Lizzie Lunt, and Liam Lunt and great-granddaughter Thea Duncan, who will be joining them in a month. Shirley was preceded in death by one grandson, David Eric Duncan, and one great-grandson, Lincoln Lunt.

Shirley’s surviving sisters include Carolyn (Chuck) Carlson of Rosedale, Indiana, Marilyn (Bob) Elson, Anita (Tom) Walker, Nancy (Rodney) Mottesheard and Norma (Don) Williams all of Terre Haute, Indiana. Her brother James (Sue) Gemmaka of Fort Wayne, Indiana, preceded her in death.

Shirley also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and very dear friends.

We will all miss her spirit, love, and influence.