Mary B. Duffy

Mary B. Duffy, treasured mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, entered her Heavenly home on February 15, 2026, at the age of 90. Born on December 15, 1935, in St. Louis, Mo., Mary is survived by her beloved children, Linda (Kirk) Bacon, Brian Duffy, Lawrence (Jennifer) Duffy, Elaine (Dan) Mitchell, and Laura Ellis; her grandchildren, Kyle Bacon, Lauren (Zach) Fisher, Allison (Ryan) Kummer, Joseph Duffy, Pete Duffy, Ella Duffy, Leah Mitchell, Luke Mitchell, John Mitchell, Ryan Ellis, Andrea Ellis, and Krista Ellis; and great-grandchildren, Gwen, Myles, Thomas, and Josephine.

She was preceded in death by her dear husband, John Thomas Duffy, Jr., along with her father, John Stephen Taszarek, and her mother, Mary Taszarek (nee Szelagowski). Mary was also predeceased by her sisters, Dolores (Joseph) Dowling and Constance (Raymond) Gettemeyer, as well as her brother, Edward (Rose) Taszarek. Mary was a devoted homemaker and mother to her children as well as a generous babysitter and party thrower for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Hardly a holiday went by without her gathering her grandchildren at home for bright and lively celebrations festooned with decorations, fresh-baked cakes or cupcakes and to the chagrin of their parents, bountiful platters of candy. Mom loved her chocolate and was always eager to share her passion for all things chocolate. In the years after her own children had grown, she became a fixture at Dillards, Northwest Plaza where she often sat atop the leaderboard in sales, not because she was pushy or competitive, but simply because she was always at ease talking to any stranger; anyplace, anytime. Sales came easy for her.

Mary was extremely proud of her Polish heritage and grew up attending Polish-language Mass at St. Adalbert, where she also attended grade school. She loved to dance the Polka and as far back as memory will allow, she and her favorite partner, her sister Connie, could be found twirling together at any given opportunity and at most certainly every wedding. Her Irish husband, Jack was forever bemused by the proceedings. Her love of music was not limited to the accordion. She loved the rock- and-roll and vocal groups of her youth. As a young woman she would go to see performers such as Chuck Berry and Ike and Tina Turner in the local St. Louis clubs. She attended Chuck Berry’s 60th birthday celebration at the Fox Theater with her sons and at the age of 81, stood for hours to attend his funeral; such was her devotion. She loved classical music and opera as well and saw Pavarotti and Bocelli among others. Her love of music was passed on to each of her children, and they are thankful for her influence. 

Mary was a devout and attentive Catholic who never missed Sunday Mass or a Holy Day of Obligation. She was an active member of the parishes of St. Catherine of Alexandria in Riverview, St. Lawrence The Martyr in Bridgeton and Saints Joachim and Ann in St. Peters, where she worked faithfully in the Care Service until such time her body no longer allowed it.

Mom is now at peace and in the loving arms of Jesus, as well as her husband, parents, siblings, nieces, nephews and friends who went before her. She loved her extended family and remained close to many of her nieces and nephews until the very end. As the youngest of her siblings, she lived long enough to become the matriarch of the family. She had a full and happy life for which we are eternally grateful. “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Rev. 21:4).

Visitation to be held Friday, February 27, 2026, at Sts. Joachim & Ann Catholic Church, 4112 McClay Road, St. Peters, Mo., 63304, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Funeral Mass to follow at 10:00 a.m. at Sts. Joachim & Ann. Luncheon to follow Mass at 11:00 a.m at the Care Center

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Sts. Joachim & Ann Care Service.