Mary Ellen Duncan's Obituary
Mary Ellen Duncan, of Canandaigua, NY, a loving wife, proud mother, and doting grandmother died peacefully at the age of 79 on February 19, surrounded by family. She was born on April 7th, 1943 in Rochester, NY to parents Kathleen and Earl Erbe. She graduated from Canandaigua Academy in 1961 and the State University of New York at Geneseo with degrees in Elementary Education and Library Science in 1965. She took her first job at an elementary school in Sarasota, FL where she met the love of her life, husband Cecil. Mary cherished her time as the elementary school librarian at Naples Central School district and was a dedicated member of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church of Canandaigua.
Mary loved to read, cook, birdwatch, knit, garden, and enjoy sports, but her ultimate happiness in life stemmed from her family: her husband and her four children, Andrew, Douglas, Jonathan, and Kateri. She adored spending time with her family and the opportunities to try new recipes, often tested on her mostly receptive and always appreciative husband. She was blessed with 7 grandchildren, whom she considered a source of pure joy. Mary enjoyed spoiling her grandkids and doing anything for them, whether it was buying too many Christmas gifts, reading one more book even though it was past bedtime, or baking multiple desserts so they were all happy.
Mary had a quick wit and an incredible sense of humor. She was fiercely loyal to her family and will be missed terribly.
Mary is predeceased by her parents and son Douglas Duncan. Mary is survived by her husband of 56 years, Cecil R. Duncan of Canandaigua; her children and their spouses; Andrew Duncan (Mary Kay) of Gainesville, FL, Jonathan Duncan (Heather) of Boalsburg, PA, and Kateri Duncan (James Butler) of Saint Charles, IA; her 7 dear grandchildren (Maura, Cara, Daniel, Benjamin, and Cassidy Duncan and Noah and Maryn Butler); a sister Kathleen Portnow of Chapel Hill, NC and two nieces (Allison (David) Lathrop, Lauren (Matt) Wilson) and their children.
A private funeral service is scheduled at Queen of Peace in Gainesville, FL on February 23rd. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Haven Hospice Foundation: https://beyourhaven.org/donate
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