CATHERINE M. DUFFY

      Catherine M. ‘Katie’ Duffy, 94, was reunited with her best friend and husband on Sept. 19, 2015, at Pine Brook Pointe Assisted Living in Burlington.

She was born on March 10, 1921, to the late John and Catherine Ruppert in Lafayette, Ind. Soon after earning her RN degree, Katie joined the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant and was assigned to the 130th EVAC hospital that helped liberate the Nazi concentration camp at Mauthausen, Austria, in May 1945.

While in the service, Katie met and fell in love with Jim Duffy, a dashing young bomber pilot. On Aug. 16, 1945, they were united in a marriage that lasted until Jim’s death in February 2013, 67 years later. Except for two years, the couple spent the rest of their lives in Burlington, raising six children in a home overflowing with love and faith.

In addition to her duties as mother and homemaker, Katie also worked for many years as an OB nurse on the evening shift at Burlington Memorial Hospital, helping to bring hundreds of brand-new Burlington residents into this world.

Throughout her life, Katie shared her joy of living with her family and many friends. She bowled and golfed well into her eighties, and loved to dance and dine out with Jim, her “special date.” Her favorite day of the year was Saint Patrick’s Day, spending the night with songs and laughter that were “somewhat enhanced by a wee drop, or two.” As long as her sight held out, she was an avid reader and was constantly knitting colorful afghans to donate to those in need. She also greatly enjoyed several classic television shows such as I Love Lucy, The Andy Griffith Show and Lawrence Welk.

She was further preceded in death by her brothers, three sisters and ‘too many’ dear friends.

Survivors include her children, Peggy Combs, Denver, Colo., Jack (Mary) Duffy, Wausau, Tim Duffy, Madison, Mary (Ken) Krueger. Lake Tomahawk, Patty (John) Rydzik, Waterford, Terry (Charlie) Alexander, Denver, Colo.; 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sisters, Patty (Don) Danaher and Anne (Don) Feaster, both Lafayette, Ind.

The family would like to thank the staff at Pine Brook, Home Helpers, St. Mary’s Church, Seasons Hospice and Dr. Arthur Rein for all their wonderful care.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 26, at Immaculate Conception St. Mary Catholic Church, Burlington. The Rev. James Volkert will preside and burial will follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation is Saturday from 9:30-10:45 a.m., at Good Shepherd Chapel. Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home, Burlington, is serving the family.

The family is asking that memorials go to St. Jude’s Hospital, St. Mary’s Church or Burlington VFW.

Well-wishers can visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.