Catherine Duffy

Duffy, Catherine T. "Kay" MONONA-Catherine T. (Kay) Duffy, age 87, of Monona passed away on Friday, Jan. 2, 2009at St. Marys Care Center. She was born April 6, 1921 in Lublin, WI and led a long and fruitful life. From humble beginnings, she was determined to cultivate a fully-rounded life as a devoted wife, mother, teacher, sportswoman, and artistâ?¬?all of which she accomplished. While attending normal school in pursuit of a teaching certificate, she met and married Leo Duffy in Chicago on January 12, 1943. She combined married life on a farm with a teaching career in rural schools, and soon, motherhood. Always wanting to better herself, Kay continued her education and in the early 60s received her BA from UW Whitewater, certified to teach grades K-8. Throughout her many years of teaching, Kay specialized in mentoring students with learning challenges. Following an early retirement, she continued to tutor students privately. At that same time, she activated a long-standing appreciation for art by pursuing and mastering the technique of Ukrainian Easter egg decoration. Her eggs are among the very finest examples of that art form. Physical fitness was also important to Kay, which led to her passion for golf, a sport in which she excelled, winning dozens of trophies, the most prized of which was her hole-in-one. Gardening was a lifelong love, beginning with the early days on her and Leos farm. Whether indoors or out, she cultivated flowers and her home was always awash in African violets, ferns, begonias, and more. Kay is survived by her devoted husband of 66 years, Leo M. Duffy of Monona, WI; her son and daughter-in-law, Ron and Kay Duffy of Clinton, WI; daughter, Elyse Duffy, of St. Paul, MN; and sister Pearl Severyn and brother Michael Terlecki. She was preceded in death by parents Stefan and Eva Terlecky and eight brothers and sisters. The family expresses deep and abiding gratitude to the entire staff of St. Marys Care Center, who so lovingly cared for Kay and whose new friendships graced the last stages of her life with deep bonds of love. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield Street, Monona, at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009 with Father Leo Petrimoulx presiding. Entombment will be at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:30 a.m. until time of service on Tuesday. Memorials may be made to St. Marys Care Center