Mary Duffield

Mary E. Duffield, 84, of Ottawa passed away Friday, April 21, 2017 at Ottawa Pavilion. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 am Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at St. Francis of Assisi Church with Rev. Augustin Kassa officiating. Visitation will be 9:00 am to 11:00 am, prior to funeral, Wednesday at Ottawa Funeral Home. Burial will be in Ottawa Avenue Cemetery. Mary was born July 16, 1932 in Ottawa, Illinois to August and Rose (Murray) Helffrich. She married Russell on November 26, 1955 in St. Francis of Assisi Church. She retired from Illinois Bell after 27 years of service. She was a member of Catholic Daughters of the Americas, St. Francis Church, Women of the Moose, Ottawa Women's Club, Telephone Pioneers of America, Fun Timers, and bowled on many leagues. Mary cherished the time she spent with her friends and family. Not a moment went by that she didn't have a smile on her face. She always enjoyed the holiday season; especially decorating the house. She enjoyed being outdoors, going for walks, golfing, dancing, listening to music, and cooking. She also enjoyed donating her time to the Ottawa Food Pantry and at PVL. She is survived by two children, Mark (Nancy Warner) Duffield and Gail (Bill) Peters; and one granddaughter, Sarah-Marie Duffield. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Russell; her son, Michael Duffield; and three siblings, Marjorie Keast, Austin Helffrich and Donald Helffrich. Pallbearers will be Randy and Ryan Michelini, Larry Znaniecki, Tim Helffrich, Mike Pagakis, and John Riebe. Memorials may be directed to Ottawa Pavilion Dementia Unit.