Marie J. Duffy

Mrs. Marie Joan Duffy, age 97, of Ilion, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, in the comfort of her home. At the time of her passing, Marie was surrounded by the love of her family at her bedside.

Born in Utica on June 24, 1928, Marie was the daughter of the late Rocco Richard and Lucy (Sinisgalli) Pacielio. She was raised and educated in Utica, graduating from the Utica Free Academy with the Class of 1946.

On August 20, 1949, she married the love of her life, Francis G. Duffy, at St. Patrick’s Church in Utica. They shared many cherished years together until his passing on January 1,1987.

A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Marie dedicated much of her life to nurturing children. She taught a preschool class from her home for 11 years and later served as a foster grandmother through the MVCA program—fifteen years at Remington Elementary School and one year at Fisher Elementary School. She retired from this work in September 2014, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, patience, and gentle guidance.

Marie was a spunky spitfire with a kind and loving heart, the sort of woman whose zest for life drew people naturally to her. Her lovely personality shone through in everything she did—whether she was offering a warm word of encouragement, sharing a laugh that lit up the room, or embracing each day with her trademark spirit and determination. She touched others not just through her actions, but through the joy and energy she brought to the world around her.

Marie is survived by her children, Thomas Duffy and Deb Defour of Florida, Mary and Kevin Earl of Troy and Carol and Robert Carney of Ilion; and her grandchildren, Becky Dean (Nick), Eric Moreau (Julie), Andrea Cofrin, Patrick Duffy (Madeline), Erin Duffy, Ryan Duffy, Timothy Earl (Tarrah), Lauren Strack (Andrew) and Justin Carney (Michelle). Marie also leaves behind her treasured great-grandchildren, Kathleen and Colin Dean, Canon, Braden and Colton Moreau, Rhiannon and Remy Cofrin and Cole and Gavin Strack; her son-in-law, Thomas Moreau and his wife, Caroline; along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and extended family members.

Marie was predeceased by her parents; her beloved husband, Francis; her daughter, Kathleen Moreau; and her brother, Richard Pacielio.

In keeping with Marie’s wishes, her family will gather privately to bid their farewells to her and she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Francis, in Calvary Cemetery in Utica.

For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413.

Marie’s final wishes were pre-arranged and entrusted to the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000, Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate, Funeral Directors. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.