Obituary of Gertrude Nellie Duffy

Born in Peterborough England on March 13, 1925 and passed peacefully at home on July 3, 2017. Preceded in death by her parents, siblings and her beloved husband Frank. She was a cherished and revered Mother to Joann, Jennifer, Patrick (Irene), Michael and Kate (Bill), grandmother to Trevor (Shari) and Shaun (Deb), and great grandmother to Meghan, Amanda and Eva. She was Aunt Nell to her family in England and the United States. Nell’s mother Kate introduced Nell to the love of her life, Frank who served in the Air Corps in WW II in Peterborough. Frank courted Nell vigorously. During their courtship they attended movies and dances together with her friends and sisters. Frank brought her flowers often, hiding them in a duffle bag when he left the Air Base to avoid being teased by his buddies. They were married in Peterborough on February 15, 1945. Nell left behind family and friends to “cross the pond” to begin a new life with Frank. She traveled by train from New York with other war brides such as herself. Some of the ladies she met during that time became lifelong friends. Frank and Nell lived in St. Louis Park for many years where her 5 children were born and raised. Her life was busy with her family, her card club and her community involvement. The lady who could barely boil an egg when she married became an accomplished cook and an incredible baker. When her children were older, she worked as a cook at Methodist Hospital, Mt. Sinai Hospital and St. Louis Park high school. She was a strong willed woman who loyally supported her family and friends and was not afraid to express her opinions. Nell was a person of strength and character who faced challenges head on and built on life’s experiences. Family vacations and holiday traditions were very important to Nell. After Frank retired early from Honeywell, they traveled all over the United States and Canada. They were frequent hosts to family from England, enjoyed summers in Sioux Narrows and eventually settled in Silver Bay during their retirement years. Nell was an avid knitter who made Christmas stockings for friends and extended family. She will be remembered each Christmas by all of us who were lucky enough to receive these gifts. Nell ensured that every family member had their favorite meal for their birthday and often made their favorite dishes when they came to visit. She was known at Church for her butter tarts and mincemeat tarts, a favorite among the congregation. Nell had a passion for flower gardening, spending many hours tending her flowers and begrudging the deer who dared to munch on the flower buds. Reading was also a favorite pastime, one which she continued through to her final days. Nell will be greatly missed by her family and friends. We are consoled with knowing that she has now rejoined Frank and her family in heaven. We like to think she is telling the tales of her adventures and basking in glow of the afterlife. We are thankful she was our mother, our friend and our mentor. A celebration honoring Nell’s life will be held on Friday, July 14th at 11 a.m.at the United Protestant Church in Silver Bay. Visitation 1 hour prior. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred for the United Protestant Church, 17 Horn Boulevard, Silver Bay, MN 55614.