Susan Ellen Duffy

A loving mother, “Nana,” and “GG,” Susan Ellen Duffy passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, December 23, 2018, in Spokane, Washington. Sue was born on October 17, 1929, to Orrin D. and Margaret R. Houx in Seattle, Washington. She was raised in San Francisco, California, and graduated from the Academy of the Presentation there. Upon graduation, she worked for the Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company. During this time, she met the love of her life, William (Bill) D. Duffy. They were married in June of 1951, six days after Bill graduated and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army. During her 26 years as an Army wife, Sue cheerfully moved her family 14 times around the U.S. and three times to Germany. Sue volunteered with the American Red Cross; she supported, organized, led, and guided young military wives; she adopted bachelor officers; and she hosted wives of high-ranking government and foreign dignitaries. Her bright and adoring personality, along with her ever-enduring faith, assisted her in the management of her military family which continued even past retirement. In 1977, Sue and Bill settled in Spokane, and Sue continued to be active in the Women of Rotary, PEO, and Manito Golf & Country 9-Holer Club. Influencing each other, she and Bill spent many years playing golf, bridge, and traveling with friends. Their favorite destination was Hawaii, and they visited it as often as possible. Sue held those vacation memories very dear. Nothing was more important to Sue than her faith and her family. She had a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother Mary. Among her proudest moments was witnessing her two sons and grandson follow in her husband’s professional footsteps as they were commissioned as Officers in the U.S. Army, and witnessing her daughter’s election as a local school board member. Sue made friends wherever she went. She was blessed with a multitude of friendships that flourished throughout her life. After Bill’s death, Sue moved into Touchmark on South Hill. At Touchmark, she continued to enjoy her many friends, yoga, playing games, and rooting for the Zags. The ladies of “the fun table” held a special place in her heart. She also loved the many years with her wonderful friends from The Ivy Glen Book Club. Sue’s 63 years of marriage to Bill, strengthened by their devout Catholic faith, was a reflection of their love, devotion, and dedication to each other. They were blessed with five children, 12 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren. Sue is preceded in death by Bill, their infant daughter Mary Ruth, and her parents. Sue is survived by their children and spouses: Cindy and Dennis McMullen, Tim and Lisa Duffy, Claudia and Andy Porter, and Terry Duffy. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Amy, Ryan, Carrie, Suzi, Katie, Steve, Sarah, Danny, Molly, Cole, Lauren, and Jack, and 12 great-grandchildren. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Deaconess Medical Center and Touchmark on South Hill for the loving care they provided Sue. A vigil will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, January 4, 2019, at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 3327 South Perry Street, Spokane, Washington. A memorial mass will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 5, 2019, at the same location. In lieu of flowers, Sue requested that donations be made to Gonzaga University Scholarship Fund, St. Jude’s Children Hospital, or The Vanessa Behan Center. A private family inurnment will take place at a future date at The Veteran's Memorial Cemetery.