Marlborough – Joanne Duffy, age 71, from Marlborough, MA (formerly from Ashland, Ma) died on July 11, 2023 after a brief illness. She fought valiantly and with grace, surrounded and supported by her family until God called her home.
“Joey” as her family affectionately called her, was born an identical twin. In childhood she and her twin sister Susanne shared everything. “Susie and Joey” were inseparable, embracing their mirror image, never needing to differentiate themselves from one another. Into adulthood, they would still delight when others could not tell them apart. Together with their older sister Linda, they partnered in all of life’s adventures and challenges as a team.
After graduating from Framingham High School, Joanne attended Boston College. Her first job was at Zayre Corporate headquarters, in charge of their Accounts Payable Department. She later answered her vocation of service to others, and for 25 years served the Town of Ashland, including 20 years as the Director of the Ashland Community Center. This career was a labor of love and compassion; Joanne transformed the Community Center into a haven and a place of joy and fellowship for hundreds of seniors, who became dear friends. She was beloved, known for her welcoming smile.
Joanne married the love of her life in 1971, and was the beloved wife of Robert Duffy, with whom she shared 52 years of marriage. She was the proud mother of Heather, the joy of her life and closest friend. The infinite love she had for her daughter multiplied when her grandchildren, Harper and Daniel, were born. “Nanny” treasured her grandchildren, adored them. She cherished the time she got to spend with her grandchildren, while sharing her love of crafts and art.
Joanne lived close to her sisters, where they parented together. Their proximity allowed them to share night shifts with newborns, rides to fields and courts, supporting one another in the joys and challenges of parenthood, and raising the many cousins as siblings. Joanne and Bobby’s true happy place was Old Orchard Beach, ME, creating a lifetime of memories. For over 40 years, they welcomed friends and family to their beach escape, where the whole family enjoyed going to the beach, the amusement park, fishing, and playing games. When her grandchildren came along, Joanne continued these traditions, instilling her love of Maine and the ocean in them.
Joanne is survived by her loving husband, Robert Duffy, her daughter Heather Allen and her husband Mark of Marlborough, MA; and grandchildren Harper and Daniel.
She is also survived by her identical twin sister, Susanne Meade and husband Gregory of Ashland, MA; and sister, Linda Blades of Portland, Maine.
Joanne is also survived by many nieces and nephews who fondly remember her as their go-to aunt for being spoiled, hijinks and having fun. She is predeceased by her oldest nephew, Timothy Blades and survived by Tim’s wife Kathy of St. Cloud, Florida; Christopher Blades and his wife Beth of Portland, ME; Jason Meade and his wife Jennifer of Ashland, MA; Melanie Roffo and her husband Marco of Ashland, MA; and many great-nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be on Sunday, July 16 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main St in Ashland. Memorial Service will be Monday, July 17 at 10:00am, also at Matarese Funeral Home in their chapel. A private interment with family will occur at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joanne’s name to the Ashland Community Center.