Obituary for
Therese Adrienne Duffy
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Thérèse Adrienne Duffy at the age of 86 years. She passed away on February 2, 2021, peacefully at her home, surrounded by the love of her family. Thérèse will be lovingly remembered by her children: Dave, Wayne (Donna), Norm (Ivy), Neil (May), Dale (Joanne), and Angela (Doug). Her memories will also live on through her siblings; Raymond Enright (Betty Ann), and Robert Enright (Jose), her grandchildren and their partners; Jeremiah, Natasha, Jordanna, Shelby, Kelsey, Taichi, Ayden, Liam, Kiera, Evan, her great-grandchildren; Julia, Parker, Kolby, McKenzie, Gracelyn, and Finley. Thérèse was predeceased by her loving husband, Kevin, in 2004.
Thérèse was born in Sutton, Quebec, on December 31, 1934, to Isabelle Robitaille and Adrien Lacriox. She was predeceased by her biological father, Adrien, before she was born. Her mother, Isabelle later married Bernard Enright who became the father that raised her. It was in Quebec where she fell in love with dancing. She became an esteemed dance instructor with Arthur Murray School of Dance in Montreal. Thérèse was more than qualified for this role as she was a competitive swing dancer herself. In 1954 she married the love of her life, Kevin. Together they built a strong foundation for their family. In 1972 they moved to Edmonton. It was here she worked at RDHD, which provided housing and rehabilitation for developmentally challenged adults and youth. Thérèse transitioned from her role at RDHD to assist with life skills management for vulnerable youth at the Yellowhead Youth Centre. Although Thérèse was always a compassionate person, her role at the Youth Centre was where she became more vocal and a champion for vulnerable people.
Thérèse was also an enthusiastic volunteer. She volunteered with the Kevin Duffy Memorial Foundation, which helped establish an adaptive learn to skate program and still delivers financial aid to athletes. She was also an active volunteer at the Extreme Edge Skating Club, where she assisted in the office administration and, more importantly, she was a cheerleader for the athletes. She was often seen giving encouraging words during training and cheering from the stands during competitions.
Thérèse had a special and unique bond with all her children. She loved being with her son Dave, on his boat, while traveling the coast of Vancouver Island. She loved her son Wayne’s visits as he would often come to Edmonton to see her. Traveling was a frequent occurrence with her son Norm and his family. They enjoyed several holidays and many visits to Norm’s farm, where she relished the Duffy-Roy celebrations. With her son Neil, she enjoyed endless discussions on parenthood and all its nuances. Dale’s family contributed to the fond memories at Lake Isle where Thérèse and Kevin enjoyed countless summer evenings. Her bond with Angela, her daughter, was unlike any other. They were the closest of friends and shared many adventures.
It was in her role as a friend where Thérèse shined. She became a friend to all who met her. She had boundless energy, and perspective, which she brought into all of her relationships. It is remarkable how she would earn the respect and admiration from a stranger; often becoming new friends. Her love of conversation equally matched Thérèse’s love of baseball, card games, crosswords, reading, scrabble, travel, Willie Nelson, and gin. She loved traveling with family and friends through Central America, North America, and Europe. While she enjoyed those trips, it was Isla Mujeres, Mexico, where she would return year after year and develop even more friendships with local residents.
Summertime is the season Thérèse enjoyed the most. She became a fixture, and matriarch, of 104 street in downtown Edmonton. Thérèse would often be seen sitting on a patio engaged in great conversation with family, friends, and, of course, a gin.
We are eternally grateful and blessed to have known her. Thérèse Adrienne Duffy was a truly remarkable soul and will be deeply missed by all.
A Celebration of Thérèse’s Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made, in tribute to Thérèse Duffy, to the Edmonton Down Syndrome Society at edss.ca.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Therese Adrienne
Duffy 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Edmonton, Province: Alberta