Mary A. (Breen) Duffy

Mary Alma (Breen) Duffy, 87, of Southgate in Shrewsbury died at home on Sunday, April 14, 2024.

Her husband of 59 years, James P. Duffy Jr., passed away in 2019.

Mary leaves three children, Maureen Donovan and her husband Christopher Donovan of Boston, Michael Duffy and his wife Sarah Duffy of Jackson, N.H., and Christine Skwersky and her husband Adam Skwersky of Marlborough; five grandchildren, Callee and Matthew Donovan, Lizzy Duffy, and Joshua and Rachel Skwersky; a sister Ruth McDermott of Boston; and many nieces and nephews.  Her brother Joseph Breen and her sister Theresa Bolduc predeceased her.

Mary was born in Worcester, daughter of Joseph M. and Ruth (Clement) Breen, and lived in Worcester most of her life before moving to Shrewsbury 5 years ago.

Mary graduated from Commerce High School in Worcester.  She graduated in 1958 from Worcester State University and remained an active and proud alumna all her life.  She was honored with its Outstanding Service to Alma Mater Award for her fundraising efforts for the annual scholarship fund.

After college, Mary taught second grade for several years in the Worcester Public Schools at Gates Lane School.  She was active in the Christ the King Catholic Youth Council and Our Lady of the Angels Parish.  Mary was active in the Parent Teachers Organization at the Clarke School for the Deaf in Northampton. She also worked at the former Coghlin’s furniture store on Main Street in Worcester.

Mary was blessed with deep Christian faith. She loved her family and countless friends and her summers at Cape Cod. 

There will be a calling hour Friday, April 26, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, 640 Main St., Shrewsbury. The funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. in the church. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the Worcester State University General Scholarship Fund, Shaughnessy Building Suite A-231, 486 Chandler St., Worcester, MA 01602 or St. John’s Food for the Poor, 44 Temple St., Worcester, MA 01604.