Deirdre J. Duddy, master framer

Deirdre J. Duddy, 57, of Chadds Ford, Pa., and Rehoboth Beach passed away Jan. 10, 2019. 

Dee grew up in Villanova, Pa.  She attended Radnor High School and Gettysburg College.  She was a strong athlete, excelling in field hockey and lacrosse.  After college, Dee entered the art industry and achieved the designation of Certified Master Framer for Life.  She worked at various galleries, including warehouse manager at the Heisman Fine Arts Gallery in Ardmore, Pa., and Avatar Galleries in King of Prussia, Pa. 

Her career took her to the food industry where she became the warehouse manager for Philabundance, a tristate-area food bank and affiliate of Feeding America.  Dee was also very proud of her employment at Longwood Gardens, where she worked in planting and production.     

After her diagnosis in 2016, Dee needed to focus on treatment and health.  Dee loved the sun and the beach, so the majority of her time was spent in Rehoboth. Never lethargic, Dee wanted to remain active, so she identified a charity close to her heart, Casa San Francisco, a homeless shelter and emergency food pantry in Milton, where she volunteered her time when feeling strong enough.

She is survived by her longtime companion, Sandy Roberts; precious fur babies, Jack, Jill, and Bob; father Bernard Duddy; brothers Mark Duddy and Tom Dixon; sister Beth Duddy; Aunt Trudy; Cousin Eileen; and many other Irish relatives, many of whom have red heads. 

A Celebration of Life will be held for Dee Sunday, March 31, from 2 to 5 p.m., at Irish Eyes Pub, 213 Anglers Road, Lewes.  Contributions of nonperishable items will be accepted for donation to Casa San Francisco.