Betty A. Duffy, 88, (nee Shellenberger) of Largo, Florida, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, August 17, 2017. She was the daughter of the late George Henry Shellenberger and the late Margaret Anna (Shanley) Shcllenberger. Betty was born in Orange, and resided in East Orange for most of her life, moved to Belmar, New Jersey in 1978, and with her beloved husband, Jack, made Florida their home in 1997.
Betty was graduated from Clifford J. Scott High School, East Orange, NJ in 1946. She was recognized as a high school athlete, playing softball, field hockey, and basketball. After high school Betty was a member of the Women’s All-State Field Hockey team. She was an avid bowler, playing on several bowling leagues in New Jersey and Florida for over thirty years.
Betty worked for the Prudential Insurance Company, Newark, NJ. She continued her athletics and was a member of the Prudential Women’s Basketball team. After leaving Prudential, she was a telephone operator for New Jersey Bell Telephone Co., in Orange, New Jersey.
In 1949, Betty married her high school sweetheart, the late Jack Duffy, also of East Orange. They raised 7 children of their own, and welcomed many neighborhood friends of their children for dinner and sleepovers. Betty said there was always room for one more. Betty’s love for children extended to her community as den mother for the boy scouts with her sons, participation in the girl scouts with her daughters, and PTA president at Our Lady of All Souls School. Jack and Betty celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary in January, 2015.
Nan, or Nanny, as she was affectionately called by her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, was known for her love of children, her wonderfully contagious laugh, birthday cakes, pies, and her love of singing. Nan enjoyed playing games and cards with her children and grandchildren. Her youthful spirit and camaraderie never ceased to put smiles on the faces of those around her. She had a knack for telling jokes and funny stories. Her family will truly miss her sage advice and practical wisdom handed down through the generations. Knowing that she is reunited with Poppa-Jack, her beloved husband, gives solace to family and friends she left behind.
Betty was predeceased by her devoted husband, John F. Duffy, Sr. She leaves, to cherish her memories, five loving daughters, Colleen Young (Leonard), Watchung, NJ; Lorraine Ricca (Robert), Scotch Plains, NJ; Jean Ricca (Joseph), Roselle Park, NJ; Patricia Hofmann, Hackettstown, NJ; and Elizabeth Walzer (Robert), Belmar, NJ; fourteen grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by two loving sons, John F. Duffy, Jr. and George M. Duffy, her beloved son-in-law, Kevin R. Hofmann, Sr., and her three brothers, Walter Shellenberger, Francis Shellenberger, and Raymond Shellenberger.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, September 9, 2017, 9:30 a.m. at Notre Dame of Mount Carmel Church, 75 Ridgedale Avenue, Cedar Knolls, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Monmouth County Association for the Blind, P.O. Box 1033, Belmar, New Jersey 07719.
Dear Duffy Family,
Please accept our sincerest and most heartfelt condolences. Not only was she a great mother to you, but also to her extended family. We knew we could always count on Mrs. Duffy (Betty). She was a great neighbor and we share some great memories.
Our prayers go out to you.
Patty (Flaherty), John and Ed Feeley