Kathy M. Duffy

Affectionately known to many around Lancaster as “Mrs. Duffy”, Kathy passed away on Thursday, May 13, 2021. She spent her entire teaching career in Lancaster City Schools where she taught 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades. In addition to teaching full-time, she also spent several years as an adjunct faculty member at Ohio University Lancaster.

Kathy was born in Washington Court House on November 20, 1950 to George Morris, Jr. and Evelyn Ogelbee Morris. She attended Ohio University and graduated with her bachelors in elementary education. In 1994, she finished her Masters in Education at Ashland University graduating Cum Laude. Kathy was a Jefferson Scholars Fellow and co-creator of a reading enrichment program called "Read with Me". After retiring from Lancaster City Schools, Kathy continued to serve the students at Medill Elementary School by serving as a volunteer reading coach.

Kathy had many passions in her life: teaching, learning, animals, and travel. Her love of teaching only mirrored her love for people. Her former students often spoke of her love and kindness, as well as the joy of learning she instilled in them. Kathy’s passion for animals was evident in her deep love for her precious dog Kammy. She was very generous in helping others care for animals. In retirement, Kathy’s passion for new card games and time with friends only grew. She would take cards along on vacations to teach everyone a new game. Kathy left a legacy of love. She was intentional about speaking love and hope into the lives of others. She always saw the best in them and left them with a sense of encouragement. She will be dearly missed.

Kathy is survived by her husband of 46 years, Don Duffy. She is also survived by her aunt, MaryAnn Summers; Brothers Dennis (Tina) Morris, Doug (Heidi) Morris, Donal Morris; Brother-in-law Robert (Bernice) Duffy, Sister-in-law Jan Hayes, Nieces and Nephews - Erin (Francois Foucart) Morris, Joel (Billie Centers) Morris, Logan (Kiersten Harris) Morris, Rikki (Leonard Becraft) Morris, Amanda Jane (Shane) Morris-Haggerty, Kayley Dawn Morris, Donald George Morris, Christina (Christopher) England, Abigail Duffy, Keegan (April) Duffy, Lisa (Joe) Fresquez, Mark (Donna) Hayes, as well as endless friends, colleagues and former students.

A visitation will be held on May 28th from 4 to 7pm at Halteman-Fett & Dyer Funeral Home in Lancaster, Ohio. A memorial service will be conducted immediately following the visitation at 7pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Kathy’s passions - Fairfield Area Humane Society, https://www.fairhumane.org/ffhumane.html or to the Fairfield County United Way (EARMARK for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library). You can also donate directly to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library at imaginationlibrary.com.