Jean Marie Duff, October 6, 1924 – June 15, 2013

Jean Marie Duff, 88, of Ashburn, VA, loving wife of the Honorable Charles H. Duff (Retired Judge, Virginia Court of Appeals), mother of Charles H. Duff, Jr, David L. Duff and Anne M. Chappell. Adoring grandmother of Lee, Crissy, Kelly and Katie died at home after a courageous battle with cancer. She was able to die comfortably, in the embrace of those she loved most dearly.

Jean Marie was born Oct. 6, 1924, in Richmond, VA, to Leo and Genevieve Kelleher.  She moved to Greensboro, NC, when she was 16 years old. Jean attended the Nazareth School for Girls Junior College in Kentucky. During WWII, she was a Red Cross Nurse’s Aide and an operator for USO. 

In October of 1939, Jean met Charlie Duff and it was love at first sight.  Without two nickels to rub together, they were married on November 28, 1946 and had a loving, faith-filled union for 66 years. Together they lived in Arlington, VA, Great Falls, VA and Ashburn, VA.

While raising her four children, Jean volunteered in her children’s schools, raised money for the St. Coletta of Greater Washington School, was active in her church and traveled with her husband by her side. She was happiest in Ocean City at the family beach house watching her kids play in the ocean and enjoying sunsets on her deck.

Jean was admired and loved greatly. No one was a stranger to her. You were important to her whether you were a doctor, lawyer, server or busboy. She made everyone believe they were the most special person in the world when she would talk to them. Jean loved her family and they loved her right back. She will always be remembered as the most generous of souls and keeper of her faith.

 Jean is survived by her husband of 66 years, Charles H. Duff Jr; her sons, Charles “Mac” H. Duff, III, David L. Duff; and her daughter, Anne M. Chappell. She was predeceased by her beloved son, Edward J. Duff.  She is also survived by her grandchildren, Lee Duff, Crissy Duff Hendricks, Kelly and Katie Chappell, Nicole Coletta, and her newly born great-granddaughter, Olivia Quinn Hendricks. The family would like to thank the staff and nurses of Capital Care Hospice for their kind treatment of Jean and a special thanks to Jean's beloved caregiver, Nicole for her genuine love for Jean and the family.

Memorial donations may be made to a cause that was dear to Jean’s heart: The Benedictine School for Exceptional Children, 14299 Benedictine Lane, Ridgley, MD 21660.

Please share condolences with the family www.LoudounFuneralChapel.com.