Obituary of Mona Duffie

It is with great sadness that the family of Mary Mona Duffie (nee McDermott) announces her passing on October 23, 2015 at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in Fredericton. Born in Saint John, Mona was the loving wife to the late Dr. Maurice J. Duffie, and daughter to Joseph F. and Anne T. (O’Leary) McDermott. Mona was a proud graduate of St. Vincent’s Girls High School and the School of Nursing at St. Joseph’s Hospital, where she practiced for many years; she subsequently also practiced, and later volunteered, at the Rocmaura Nursing Home. Mona actively supported St. Vincent’s High School Alumnae, including a term as President. A fervent believer in giving back to her church and community, Mona was well known for her homemade chicken soup that she delivered to Romero House in Saint John for as long as she could still cook. She was a life time member of the Catholic Women’s League and served as its President. She, along with her husband, served St. Peter’s Parish in various capacities over many decades, including as members of the St. Peter’s Parish Council, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and the Eucharistic Ministry. Mona and Maurice also thoroughly enjoyed the time they spent together volunteering at St. Joseph’s, as members of the St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary. Together with several of her sisters and brothers, Mona proudly and enthusiastically shared the McDermott musical talent through her participation in the many grand operatic productions of the Knights of Columbus Society. Mona was always happy to bring her special touch to so many Saint John weddings over the decades, with her beautiful soprano voice. She was an enthusiastic bridge player throughout her life and enjoyed many pleasant afternoons and bus tour excursions with her lively bridge partners. Her trip to Ireland, with her sister Lillian and several nieces and nephews, was something she spoke of often with fond memories. Mona will be sadly missed by her daughters Dr. Anne Duffie (Neil Chamandy) of Montreal and M. Marie Lee (Dr. Richard Lee) of Fredericton, as well as, by her four grandchildren Katherine Chamandy, Caroline Chamandy, Natalie Lee, and Dr. Scott Lee (Dr. Patricia MacDonald). Mona is also survived by her sister Eleanor Guignard, who was a great friend and companion to her, and many nieces and nephews. Besides her husband and parents, Mona was predeceased by five brothers, Donald, George, Edmund, Gordon, and Gregory, as well as two sisters, Muriel Kennedy and Lillian Kelly. Arrangements are under the care of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424), with visitation being held on Sunday, October 25, 2015 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place from St. Peter’s Church, 50 Clarendon St., Saint John, on Monday, October 26, 2015 at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place at St. Augustine’s Cemetery in Grand Bay-Westfield, N.B. The family would like to extend its gratitude to Dr. Chris O’Brien of Saint John and to the staff of 3SW at the Chalmers Hospital and the staff of Shannex Parkland Fredericton, for their unwavering kindness, gentleness, and compassion. Donations in lieu of flowers to Romero House or to St. Peter’s Church, both of Saint John, would be greatly appreciated.