Patricia "Patty" Duff

Patricia Vail Duff, age 72, passed away on Friday, November 29, 2024. Known affectionately as Patty, she brought joy, laughter, and warmth to everyone she met. Patty had a talent for writing, a passion for gardening, and loved cooking. As an accomplished chef (with recipes to share), some of Patty’s most treasured moments were after a good meal. Always delighting family and friends with new recipes, including her famous French pancakes and lemon-baked chicken, she often proclaimed “the best ingredient is love.”

Summers spent stoking a sauna in the Boundary Waters, or with friends and family on Cape Cod, will be missed but not forgotten. Golf brought her great joy recreationally and in competition; “Ohhh, did I win again?” was a frequent quote.

She cherished her time growing up in Wilmette, Illinois, with “the best friends in the world” and parents GG and Pops.
She often spoke of the waves crashing against the north shore and feeling the most at peace when visiting Lake Geneva.

Patty carried her love and values with her as she raised her three children—Tom, Adam, and Christina—in Medfield, Massachusetts. She later made homes in Edina, Minnesota, and The Woodlands, Texas. She will always be a proud grandmother to Annabelle, Abby, Charlie, George, and Tilly, and a loving sister to Artie, Kathy, and Dinny. Her kindness, humor, and boundless love will be deeply missed and remembered.

Patty would have wanted us to remember to hug our kids and best friends, but most importantly— spread love to all.

A celebration of Patty’s life will be held at a later date, where her family and friends will gather to honor the incredible woman she was. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of choice in her memory.

Patty’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those she touched. May she rest with peace and love.