Mary B. Duffy, 95, of Hamilton, passed away on Friday, April 13, 2012 at St. Francis Medical Center with her loving children and family members by her side.

She was born in Eagle Lake, TX. During her early childhood, she moved with her mother to Wilkes-Barre, PA. where she thrived in the Welsh community there with her mother, grandparents and other relatives. Eventually, she and her mother moved to Hamilton Twp., New Jersey. Mary attended Hamilton High School and met her to be husband, John J. Duffy. She graduated from Hamilton High in 1935.

In 1939, she received her undergraduate degree from Dickenson College in Carlisle PA. at Dickinson, she was President of the Chi Omega Sorority, President of the Chromega Society, President of the French Society, President of the Weave and Chain Honorary Club, and a member of the Panhellenic Council. She earned her Master’s Degree from Trenton State College in 1969.  She retired with over 30 years of service as a Teacher and Guidance Counselor at Steinert High School (Hamilton High School East). She taught French, English and American History. For over a decade, she was a well-loved advisor and sponsor of the school year book, “The Cresset”. 

Mary, more affectionately known as Mary Thomas, was part of the World War II generation. She traveled to Pensacola FL. to marry John while he was stationed there in the US Marine Corps. They married on October 12, 1944. She supported the war effort through volunteer work as a hospital aide and working at the General Electric Plant in Trenton.

Mary Thomas was a renaissance woman. During a period when many women stayed at home, Mary Thomas worked full time as a teacher, raised a family and completed her post-graduate studies.  She was an expert seamstress, and an amateur carpenter and landscaper. She spoke French and was a passionate student of early American and Constitutional History. In her retirement, she served for many years as an active board member for “The Residence” on Spring Street in Trenton, NJ. This facility provided independent living, assisted living and continuing care for senior women. She enjoyed playing Bridge and dancing, and excelled at both. She and John were known for clearing the dance floor while “cutting a rug”.

Daughter of the late Leander Burttschell and Alice Thomas Burttschell Ball, wife of the late John J. Duffy, and sister of the late William Morgan, she is survived by her son and daughter in law, John David and Donna Duffy of Pismo Beach, CA., her daughter, Mary Alice Duffy of Toms River, N.J., and family members Peter and Mary Lee Morgan Conner Pierce, of Naples, Florida, Jackie Morgan, Bobby and Barbara Krisak, Joanne and Jim Lanzoni, and Donald and Joanne DeAngeles, all of Mercer County, N. J.

The family wishes to extend its gratitude to her extended family of special and loving friends Alyce Hreha, and Steve, Kathy, Rachel and Sophia Weston. She will be missed.

Funeral services will begin at 11 AM on April 27 at St. Mathias Episcopal Church, 2200 Genesee Street, Hamilton Twp. NJ 08610; followed by burial in the family plot at Greenwood Cemetery, 1800 Hamilton Ave., Trenton NJ 08619. Calling hours and a memorial tribute will be held at Sayen House and Gardens, 155 Hughes Drive, Hamilton Twp. NJ 08690 between 2 and 6 PM. Arrangements are under the direction of Buklad Memorial Home, 2141 S. Broad Street, Trenton NJ 08610.

 In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to donate to your favorite charity.