Vivian M. Duffy
January 18, 1937 - March 9, 2018
Vivian M. Duffy, age 81, of Newark, DE, passed away on Friday, March 9, 2018 after a short illness.
Born in Wilmington, DE on January 18, 1937, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Josephine (Duzynski) Garbatowski. Vivian was raised in Wilmington, graduated from Wilmington High School in 1954 and maintained close relationships with many of her high school friends via lunches and phone calls. Throughout her married and working life she held extended secretarial employment at NVF, Olsten Temps, U of D Geology department, Autotote and Robert Temko Insurance Office.
A friend to the community, Vivian spent her time volunteering. As a devoted Catholic this meant much effort for her beloved parish, Holy Family. In 2014 she was awarded the Bishop Malooly Order of Merit. At the Christiana Care Center she served as a Euchraristic Minister to patients and as an attendant in the maternity section’s Ronald McDonald room. She was also a longtime donor to the Blood Bank for both platelets and whole blood. Above all she will be remembered as a beloved wife, mother, sister and grandmother.
In addition to her parents, Vivian was preceded in death by her sister Geraldine McDermott; brother Joseph Garbatowski; and stepfather, Charles Britton, Sr. She is survived by her beloved husband of 59 years, Thomas Duffy; children, Judith Valladares (Eduardo) of Chesapeake City, MD, Hugh Thomas and Timothy Joseph, both of Newark; grandchildren, Marissa and Kerri Valladares, Erin and Neil Duffy; sister Joanne Foell of Marathon, FL; brother Charles Britton, Jr. of Wilmington. All of whom she cherished dearly.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6 pm until 8 pm on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE. A second visitation will be held the following day, Wednesday, March 14, 2018 from 10:15 am until 10:45 am at Holy Family R.C. Church, 15 Gender Rd, Newark, DE 19713, where a Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 am. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19808.
Judith Knotts-Kirlan
Dear Tom & family,
So sadden to read of Vivian’s passing..we did not see each other as often as we should have but she was always in my thoughts.
Seeing your daughters name “ Judith” I wanted her to know your Mother loved my name if she ever had a daughter Judith would be her name she may have told you this story.
Living in Lewes I will not be able to be with you Tom but my thoughts & prayers are with you and your family Vivian is ❤️Judith Knotts-Kirlan
Gretchen Fitzgerald
Vivian will be missed by many. She was truly a wonderful person. Gretchen
Gina Tomczyk
Ms. Viv will be greatly missed in the NICU! She was always so happy while she was volunteering in the Ronald McDonald waiting room. She loved meeting and talking with the families! We will miss seeing her smiling face on Sundays! God Bless your family during this time of loss.
Christina McDermott
Aunt Viv was a selfless, giving person, and she always checked in on my dad and me. I will miss our regular talks.
Christina McDermott
Denise Schwartz
So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was a beautiful woman. Take care and G-d bless,
Denise
Debbie (Hughes) Sage
So sorry to hear of your mom’s/wife’s passing. Mrs. Duffy was an icon on Granville Lane, and a very nice person. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time… Deb and Bill Sage
Barbara Baker
Tom
I am so shocked and sadden by your loss
I am so sorry that I will not be able to attend
the services for Vivian but know she is in my prayers as you and your family If I can help in anyway please let me know
Love n prayers
Barbara
Diane Szubielski Peklo
Dear Duffy family,
I was so sorry to hear of your wife and moms passing. I know it has been many years since I moved away, but I have so many fond memories of Mrs. Duffy. Always a smile on her face. What a wonderful women. After reading her obituary I am sure she is resting in God’s loving arms. Wishing you comfort and peace.
Diane Szubielski Peklo
M. Faith Okoniewski
I can see you flying around heaven being busy and seeing all of your friends and family. Rest In Peace.
Paul Weber
Please accept my condolences on your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.