Janet R. Duffy

Janet R. Duffy, "Mrs. Duffy," 73, of Fountain City, WI, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on March 31, 2024, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Saint Mary's Campus, Rochester, MN. 

Janet was born on March 28, 1951, in Rochester, MN, to Severt and Yvonne Tindal. She grew up in Winona, MN, with three siblings - Thomas, Gerald, and Mary. Janet graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1969. She earned her bachelor's degree at Winona State University in 1973 and her master's degree in education from Saint Mary's University in Winona, MN, in 2000. Janet married Patrick Duffy of Winona, MN, on September 14, 1974. They spent 49 years together living on their farm in the rural bluffs of Fountain City, WI. When Janet was growing up, she recalled always wanting to be a mom and a teacher. Patrick and Janet had three children -  Ann Marie, Bryan, and Sarah. Not only was Janet a wonderful wife and mother, but she was also an exceptional teacher. Janet was better known in the community as "Mrs. Duffy." Teaching students was indeed her passion in life!

 

Mrs. Duffy began her teaching career in Adams, MN, in 1973, teaching fifth grade. Hence, the personalized license plate of "TEACH 73" for her vehicle. She taught kindergarten at St. Stanislaus Elementary School in Winona, MN, from 1974-1978, at Cochrane-Fountain City School in Fountain City, WI, from 1978-2011, and at Holy Family Catholic School in Arcadia, WI, from 2012-2021. When she retired from C-FC in 2011, she missed teaching so much that she applied for her first teaching job in 33 years and taught at Holy Family Catholic School for an additional nine years. Her teaching career lasted 47 years, primarily as a kindergarten teacher. Mrs. Duffy also worked at Shopko in Winona, MN, from 2003-2012. She could brighten anyone's day with her sparkling blue eyes and beautiful smile!

 

Mrs. Duffy enjoyed baking cookies, bars, pies, and "moist" banana bars. She also enjoyed picking out fabric to make personalized quilts for her students, family, and friends. Many of her Holy Family students have a special "Mrs. Duffy quilt" they took home at the end of the school year. Mrs. Duffy also loved being outside, whether "helping" with yard work or sitting in the sun to read or snooze. She found incredible joy cooking delicious meals and hosting for her family and friends. She enjoyed talking and texting with friends and neighbors, keeping updated with everyone. Mrs. Duffy found great strength in her faith, often "praying the beads" (the Rosary). In retirement, Mrs. Duffy enjoyed volunteering at Holy Family Catholic School and Winona Health.

 

Janet was preceded in death by her daughter, Ann Marie Duffy; parents, Severt and Yvonne Tindal; siblings, Thomas Tindal and Mary Tindal; nephew, Karsten Tindal; and special family friend, James Gabrick (Gobby).

 

Janet is survived by her husband, Patrick Duffy; children, Bryan Duffy and Sarah Duffy; brother, Gerald (Linda) Tindal; sister-in-law, Michele Tindal; nieces and nephews; family and many good friends.  

 

Thank you to Janet's care team at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Saint Mary's Campus, especially the doctors, nurses, and staff on Mary Brigh Units 5G and 6F, for making her stay as comfortable and peaceful as possible.

 

Thank you to Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home for assisting Janet's family in this difficult time.

A celebration of life for Mrs. Duffy will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the Arcadia Country Club in Arcadia, WI, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. A light lunch will be provided. Family, friends, and community members are encouraged to share their favorite stories of Mrs. Duffy starting at 2:00 pm.

 

A Catholic mass will be held for Mrs. Duffy on Monday, May 6, 2024, at 11:00 am, led by Father Kyle, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Arcadia, WI. A visitation will be held from 9:30 am until the hour of the mass on Monday at the church. Lunch will be provided after the mass in the church basement.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Family Catholic School, Arcadia, WI, in memory of Mrs. Duffy.