DUFFY HELEN McELROY Age 93, a 68-year resident of Beechview, on Sunday, August 11, 2013. Beloved wife of the late Paul A. Duffy. Helen was born in Pittsburgh on February 29, 1920 (Leap Day). With a real birthday only every four years, she was forever young. On her 84th birthday, she delightfully declared that she could finally have a legal drink. She enjoyed traveling and had many wonderful experiences with her children visiting almost every state, as well as Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Central and South America. When recently asked to reflect on her life, Helen replied I have no regrets. I have done everything I ever wanted to do. In addition to her husband, Helen was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Anna Hummel McElroy; her devoted sister, Anna; her beloved brother, Joseph and his wife Betty; and her grandson, Mark Ball. Helen lived her life with grace and dignity and was an inspiration to her five children, Kathleen Merrill and her husband, John, Brother Patrick Duffy, FSC, President of Central Catholic High School, Mike, Mark and his wife, Peg, Jim and his wife, Lori Preston. Helen was the devoted grandmother of Christopher Merrill and his wife, Laura, Paul Duffy and his wife, Marcey, Amy Duffy Kingry and her husband, Dwight, Emily Duffy, Quinn Duffy, and McKenna Duffy. Helen was also the cherished great-grandmother of Dilyn, Ryder and Brody Duffy, Ford and Lila Merrill, and Hayden and Finn Kingry. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She treasured her nearly 70-year relationships with Anne Duffy Lang, her sister-in-law; and dear friend, Gerry Beuter. She will be fondly remembered by Margaret, Randy, Merrill, and Liza Jones, who celebrated many wonderful Christmas holidays with her at the Merrill home in Charleston, WV. She was very active in civic and church organizations, especially St. Pamphilus Parish and the 19th Ward Democratic Party. She was a dedicated Meals-on-Wheels volunteer for 40 years. She was also an avid fan of the Steelers, Pirates, Penguins and all of the teams of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The family thanks the staff of Family Hospice for their thoughtful care of their mother. The visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 13 at BRUSCO-NAPIER FUNERAL SERVICE, LTD., in Beechview, 2201 Bensonia Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15216. (412) 561-6474. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Alexis Anania, OFM Wednesday, August 14 , 10 a.m. at St. Pamphilus Church, 1000 Tropical Avenue, Beechview. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Pamphilus Church, Central Catholic High School, 4720 5th Ave., Pittsburgh 15213, and Family Hospice and Palliative Care, 50 Moffett St., Pittsburgh 15243. brusco-napierfuneralhome.com Send condolences at post-gazette.com/gb
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