Joyce Marguerite (Houtby) Duffy
April 7, 1932 – May 29, 2024
Joyce Marguerite (Houtby) Duffy was born on April 7, 1932 in Omaha, Nebraska. Growing up, she lived in various states and graduated from St. Cecilia High School in Hastings, Nebraska. After working as a clerk for a year, she fulfilled her life’s desire of becoming a nurse. She attended nurses training through Creighton University at St. Joseph Hospital.
In 1957, she married the love of her life, Dr. John P. “Jack” Duffy. They moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where their daughter Kathleen was born. They eventually returned to Omaha, where Joyce lived happily for the next 66 years.
Joyce was an avid traveler, visiting many US cities and countries in Europe, Asia and the Holy Land. Her favorite trips were to Ireland and Italy. She loved going to shows at the Omaha Playhouse and cheering on the Creighton Bluejays.
Joyce’s faith and family were the two most important parts of her life. She was a parishioner at Holy Cross and later St. Robert’s. She attended daily Mass and was a proud member of the Omaha Serra Club.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; grandson, Martin Niebauer; brother and sister-in-law, Ed and Catherine Miller; nieces: Jan Mariano and Julie, Jordan and Grace Hahler.
She is survived by her daughter, Kathleen (Mark) Niebauer; sister, Jane (Rodney) Hahler; grandchildren: Moira (Matthew) Wiedenman, Patrick (Haley) Niebauer, Kurt Niebauer and Colleen Niebauer; great-grandchildren, Murray and Munro Wiedenman; many beloved nieces and nephews.
Our deepest gratitude to all Mom’s friends and family for the prayers, support and love, especially in these last few weeks, her dear neighbors at St. John Vianney Residence and the wonderful hospice nurses.
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The Family will receive friends on Sunday, June 9th from 1-3PM at West Center Chapel with a Vigil Service at 3PM.
Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, June 10th, 10:30AM at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church.
Private Interment: Calvary Cemetery.
The family suggests memorials to the Institute for Priestly Formation, Siena Francis House, St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, or to Masses.
6 Comments
Truly, a most kind and gracious woman. Joyce always had a smile on and remembered everyone. I will miss her so much.
We knew Joyce from the Creighton mens basketball games. We were friends for many years. Joyce was always positive and had a smile on her face. She will be missed by family and friends.
What a true blessing it was to call Joyce my friend ❤️-may the choirs of angels come to meet her-
We were lucky to live near Joyce on Shirley Street for many years. Joyce was exceptionally kind, smart, caring and always had a smile. When our daughters were young, they would write her notes and spell her name “Joys”, which was perfect.
I have been lucky to know Joyce for many many years. My grandmother Fina Polito lived next door on Shirley St, and then I bought the house when my grandma died. Joyce was the best neighbor. My boys grew up loving her and would yell “hi Duffy “ to her when they were young. We kept in touch with Xmas cards every year and she would want pics of the boys. She was a blessing. I missed her dearly when she moved. She was the best neighbor. God bless her.
Sorry sorry to have missed Joyce’s services.
finally got around to be able to livestream the funeral.
Joyce was such a sweet friend both to me when I was a student nurse as well as such a wonderful classmate and friend of Rita. She visited her so often, and brought beautiful roses!
she was so good to attend everyones funeral
she was so proud of you Kathy and all of your family.
i remember helping look for Mr Bowie at downtown Brandeis!! who would know that little piece of well worn little “rag” was so beloved.
will send Memorial to St. Roberts as requested.
i do believe
Fr. Reesen made sure he was there to be a at her funeral just before he died.
What a legacy she left!
Sending lots of love and healing prayers
Mike and Bernie
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