Kathleen Marie Duffy

Kathleen Marie Duffy, 64, DeKalb, passed away Tuesday May 16, 2018, at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb. She was born July 31, 1953, in Sycamore, the eldest daughter of William Nolan Duffy and Erna (Kroger) Duffy. She graduated from DeKalb High School in 1971 and Northern Illinois University in 1975 with a Bachelors of Science in Education. She taught first grade at Mary Morgan Elementary in Byron CUSD #226 until earning her Master of Science in Education from Northern Illinois University in 1988 and becoming a reading specialist. She finished her career as a sixth-grade reading teacher at Byron Middle School. Regimented and intelligent, Kathy was determined to increase children's literacy. She enjoyed collecting dolls, shopping for great deals, and gardening. She served as an extraordinary caretaker for her parents. Just as Arthur Radley watched over Jem and Scout Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird, she was a doting aunt to her nieces and nephew. She is survived by her sisters: Karon Duffy of Oregon, Marilynn Duffy, and Erin Watkins; nieces, Kendra (Schwendau) Asbury and Cameron Watkins: nephew, Trevor Schwendau, and two great-nieces and a great-nephew. She will be dearly missed by her family. She in predeceased by her parents and brother, Kevin Duffy. She will be buried at Fairview Park Cemetery in DeKalb, IL. Condolences can be shared at www.ronanmoorefinch.com . Arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL, 60115 (815) 758-3841.