Gertrude Duffey: Concord Teacher, Glamour Magazine Model Dies at 90

The following is from Dee Funeral Home:

Gertrude Elizabeth Duffey died unexpectedly and peacefully on January 30, 2015 in McLean, VA at the age of 90.

Beloved and loving Mother of six children; James D. Duffey, Jr. and wife Deborah who reside in VA, Kathleen T. Duffey-Whalen who resides in FL, Stephen C. Duffey and wife Eileen who reside in MA, Brian M. Duffey and wife Patricia who reside in MA, and Megan D. Smith and husband Brad who reside in CA.

Gertrude is survived by her siblings; Margaret T. McNally and Norma J. Underhill who both reside in MA. She is preceded in death by her husband James D. Duffey, her daughter Alexandra M. Duffey and her siblings James T. Scully and Patricia A. Scully formerly of FL.

She is also survived by 10 Grandchildren; James D. Duffey III, Alexandra W. Russ, Jamie D. Whalen, Matthew T. Whalen, Caitlin D. Sawka, Brendan C. Duffey, Bridget K. Duffey, Conor P. Duffey, Christie E. Smith and Alison M. Smith. In addition, she is survived by 19 nieces and nephews and preceded in death by 2 nieces.

Gertrude was was born on March 14, 1924 at the Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, MA to James T. and Gertrude T. Scully. She received a diploma from the Sacred Heart High School in Newton, MA. In 1945 she graduated from Emanuel College in Boston, MA with a degree in English and a minor in social studies. She married James D. Duffey (Donald) on April 19, 1949 at Sacred Heart Church in Newton, MA. After moving to the Northern VA area for 2 years and welcoming 2 children, the couple began their journey by moving abroad. Her husband’s employment as a Foreign Service Diplomat found them in Rome, Italy for 7 years where they welcomed 3 children and then moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina for 3 years where their sixth child was born.

After returning stateside they returned to McLean, VA for 8 years. The family moved back to their roots in Boston and lived in Concord, MA for 22 years. Gertrude began working for the Concord Public School’s as an English teacher in both of the Middle Schools. She retired in 1989 after 20 years of teaching and Donald and Gertrude moved to Jupiter, FL where Gertrude lived for 25 years. Her final move was to McLean, VA this past summer to complete the circle where the family began.

Gertrude traveled extensively throughout her life and enjoyed entertaining family, friends and dignitaries on a moments notice. She was an accomplished and multitalented individual with many interests. Gertrude had a very diverse and broad professional background. In her early years, she modeled for Glamour Magazine, was employed by American Airlines and spent several years working for the Federal Government. Most importantly, she was a dedicated teacher who loved English and who was passionate about educating her students. She was also an active and dedicated Roman Catholic.

To share a remembrance in the online guest book, please visit www.deefuneralhome.com.