Karen Duffy, age 62, ended her valiant struggle against cancer when she passed away peacefully at home in Auburn, Washington on Thursday evening, January 27, 2011. Karen Christine Duffy was born on March 3, 1948 in Ferndale, Michigan to John Gilbert and Patricia Ellen Mount Gregg. She was the oldest of four children. Although born in Michigan she grew up in California, graduating from Newark California High School in 1966. Following high school Karen attended Brigham Young University where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education. Later she received a Master's Degree in Storytelling from East Tennessee State University. Karen married Dennis Michael Duffy on October 9, 1971 in the Los Angeles Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The marriage was blessed with four fine sons. The hallmark of Karen Duffy's life was loving service. In addition to her devotion to her family, Karen served her Lord as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She touched the lives of adults and children alike as a teacher and leader. Karen's most spiritually satisfying church calling was serving as an ordinance worker in the Seattle LDS Temple during the last several years of her life. A particular passion of hers was family history research. Not only did Karen trace her own ancestry to the 1600s in Scotland and England, but she also helped countless others begin tracing their own roots. Karen had a love of music that she demonstrated by performing on the viola in orchestras, singing in choirs, and playing the organ and piano in church. Karen was an accomplished storyteller who loved nothing better than to regale young and old with a tale or two. She passed on her love of music and story to her sons and grandchildren. Karen is survived by her husband; her four sons, John Charles Duffy, Aaron Michael Duffy, Thomas Lloyd Couchman Duffy, and Robinson Everett Duffy; eight grandchildren; and a sister, Ellen Nadine (Gregg) Wahle. Preceding her in death were both parents and two brothers, John Jay Gregg and Tommy Robert Gregg. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 5th at 11 a.m. at Lindquist's Roy Mortuary, 3333 West 5600 South, Roy, Utah. The family will meet with friends at the mortuary on Saturday from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. Interment will be in the Clinton City Cemetery. A memorial service for Karen also will be held on Saturday, February 12th at the LDS Stake Center, 1820 F Street SE, Auburn, Washington.
Published in the Deseret News on February 2, 2011.