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Kathleen M. Duffin, 90, of Carmel, passed away August 25, 2020. She was born May 1, 1930 in Indianapolis, daughter of Edward N. and Kathleen (Clendenning) Riley.
Kathleen Mae Riley Duffin was a quiet, shy, and introspective woman. Her greatest joy during her long and productive life was family. The following pictures and words are our attempt to honor Mother in the various roles fulfilled during her life journey.
Our Mother met John J. Duffin, courted 4 years and married September 15, 1951 in Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Their union resulted in five children: John, Linda, Maureen, Mark, and Carlene. The home established on 5711 Ashurst Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46220 left many cherished memories. Early childhood memories as a family unit were created through the years. This was a very active home with five children under the age of eight.
Mother was a minimalist and perfectionist at heart. It would have been difficult versus impossible to realize her inner qualities with 5 children so close in age. These qualities were not apparent until we were raised and successfully pursuing our own young adult lives. They became very apparent during the years she lived independently. She enjoyed those years as her self-confidence developed and created a home that totally reflected her inner self.
At age 50, Mother re-entered the work force and met each challenge with grace. She had various employers and continued to work until she was 83 years young. She adapted to each new job, which was the insurance industry telemarketing, pharmaceutical production, long distance telecommunications and Corvasc Surgeons. The job she loved most was with Corvasc Surgeons in St. Vincent Hospital,where she worked 11 years and felt valued and appreciated. Due to visual impairment from Macular Degeneration, she resigned at age 83.
Her former coworkers were still contacting her up until a few months prior to her illness.
Mother was a charter member of St. Pius X Catholic Church. Our parents ensured we attended elementary school at St. Pius X and then off to various high schools including Latin School, Our Lady of Grace Academy and Cathedral. Little did we know the sacrifice and financial investment required at the time we were being educated in excellent schools with faith based Christian principles. A foundation that would serve us throughout our adult lives.
Mother’s favorite things: The keys to her homes. She lived independently until June 17, 2020. As a fiercely independent lady through the years, she realized her capabilities later in life. She enjoyed eating out, CHOCOLATE in any form, morning Cappuccino, her beloved couch, family celebrations and working.
She enjoyed listening to Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, and Elvis Presley. Her favorite music was holiday music: number one on her playlist would have been White Christmas by Bing Crosby. We would all fall asleep at night listening to old albums/records playing from the living room on our phonograph player. Mother always took time to address everyone by name and made special efforts to learn the names of even the most casual of contacts. Without question, Mother’s favorite roles in life were: Daughter, Sister, Mother/Mom, Grandma, Grams, Godmother, Aunt, and friend.
A strong enduring faith in Jesus Christ continued throughout her life. She always carried a crystal rosary, gifted to her by our father while they were courting. Her favorite prayer was the Hail Mary.
She continually prayed for family and friends. We believed and felt Mother’s intercession through prayer was OHHHH so effective!
Mother experienced several physical challenges over the past 5 years, yet she endured through sheer perseverance and faith. She never wavered on her love of life. Her goal with each challenge was to recover and return to her beloved home and resume her quiet peaceful life.
Mother’s most endearing qualities: a Mother's love, the ability to forgive, generosity and demonstrating her faith consistently during her life. She mentored so many and had no idea her influence would leave lasting impressions. She also had the gift of humility which was priceless. And of course, her Beautiful Smile!
Our attempt to honor our Mother is minimal compared to the lifetime of love and devotion she gave to her family. She finally encountered a foe that could not be overcome. Despite her diagnosis, she enjoyed her final weeks at home surrounded by loved ones, and phone visits with friends and extended family. Our family was amazing in coming together to bring her home knowing the expectation would-be 24-hour care. Our prayers were answered daily as needs were addressed day to day and often in the most unexpected ways. The pictures reflect the joy in her face as she was surrounded by love and her legacy. God called her home August 25th at 6:32 am.
Our mother will be buried next to her beloved parents, sister, and brother in the beautiful and serene Crown Hill Cemetery.
Her greatest concern about quality of life the past 10 years, was the progression of Macular Degeneration. She was especially grateful to the medical professionals for slowing the progression and preserving her vision. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Kathleen, may be directed to The American Macular Degeneration Foundation, which would speak to our Mother's heart.
In addition to her parents, Kathleen was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Riley; sister, Margaret Riley and grandson, Steven Duffin.
Survivors include her children, John (Kathy) Duffin, Linda (Jerry) Pruner, Maureen (Clint) Hutchcraft, Mark (Jannet) Duffin and Carlene Osborne; grandchildren, Jennifer Daringer, John R. (J.R.) (Amy) Duffin, Nicole (Matt) Henry, Shaun (Desiree) Duffin, Ryan (Carrie) Duffin, Lee Gregory, Ben Duffin, Nick Pruner and Justin Osborne; great-grandchildren, Drew and Reese Duffin, Jace Hofmann, Camryn and Kenley Duffin, Tristan, Dylan, Landon and Kitty Henry, Isabelle, Sophia and Jack Gregory; and many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
Family and friends will gather on Friday, September 4, 2020 from 4-7 pm in Bussell Family Funerals, 1621 E Greyhound Pass, Carmel. Following the visitation, a Rosary will be led by Father Phil Bowers beginning at 7 pm.
We wish to express our sincere gratitude to all who supported our mother and family through this most difficult time. We will learn to move forward without her earthly presence, but smile knowing she is now in heaven and SMILING! God Bless you all!
Bussell Family Funerals is privileged to assist the family in arrangements.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kathleen Mae (Riley) Duffin, please visit our floral store.
The Macular Dengeneration Foundation
PO Box 515, North Hampton MA 01061-0515
Tel: 1-888-622-8527
Web: http://www.macular.org