Obituary of Diane P. Duffy

Clifton Park-Diane Patricia (Sorel) Duffy, 69, of Clifton Park, died Saturday November 14th at St. Peter's Community Hospice Inn with her family by her side. She was born on May 21, 1940 in Moriah New York, to the late Arsen "Pete" and Helen Zukas Sorel. Diane was a lifelong resident of the Capital Region, graduating from Colonie Central High School and The College of Saint Rose. She married William Duffy Jr. on August 10, 1963, and shared a loving marriage until his sudden death on September 30, 1987. "Nana," as she was known to her grandchildren, was a kind, caring, funny, and thoughtful soul who always put the needs of her family and friends ahead of her own. She was a constant source of love, strength, inspiration, fun and friendship and will be sorely missed. Diane worked as a school teacher and as a technical writer for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and New York State Parks and Recreation until her retirement four years ago. She was an avid reader who also enjoyed movies, baseball, and most of all time with her family, friends, and especially her grandchildren. She was also a collector of coats and shoes. She is survived by her four children: Lisa Lingenfelter (Dale) of Niskayuna; Beau Duffy (Michelle) of Rexford; Sean Duffy of Clifton Park; and Meghan Zimolka (Heath) of Woodstock, Illinois. Nine grandchildren: Ashley and Matthew Lingenfelter; Bill, Zach, Noah and Zoe Zimolka; and Hannah, Cara and Abby Duffy. She is also survived by her brothers Pete Sorel (Cris) of Albany, William Sorel of Florida and a sister, Maggie Riehl (Rod) of Niskayua; sister-in-law Mary Ann Duffy of Rotterdam; and her very special nieces Jennie and Jessie Riehl, Carey Darby, Denise Johnson, and nephew Scott Sorel. Several other nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday morning at 11:30 am at St John the Evangelist Church on Union Street in Schenectady, with Rev. John Provost officiating. Calling hours will be held Monday evening from 5 PM to 8 PM at the Jones Funeral Home, 1503 Union St., (at McClellan St.), Schenectady. Burial will follow the Mass in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna Memorial contributions in Diane's name may be made to Autism Speaks, 5455 Wilshire Blvd,Suite 2250, Los Angeles, CA 90036