Obituary of Estamarie (Shea) Duff

Byfield, MA – Estamarie Shea Duff died at her home ‘Oakmarsh’ on April 8, after a long illness. Esty grew up in Beverly, MA, the only child of Joseph and Esther Shea. She was a graduate of Beverly High School, Class of 1945, and was president of the Regis College, class of 1949. Esty taught at The Birch Warthen School in NYC, and Shore Country Day School in Beverly, MA before moving to Frankfurt, Germany in 1956 with her husband John, an army captain and surgeon. In 1961 the family moved to Danvers, MA where Esty was active in the Salem Hospital Women’s Auxiliary and the Hunt Memorial Hospital’s Women’s Aid Society. In 1971 the family settled in Byfield. Esty raised eight children before returning to her passion as an artist, painting landscapes and animal portraits. Esty’s love was shared with her family and her fine horses and her many dogs. She was a champion trail rider, bred Tibetan Terriers, loved her Newfoundland’s and all her other animals. Esty leaves her husband of 58 years, John Duff, and her children: Kathleen Duff of Cambridge, John and Brianne Duff of Georgetown; Christopher Duff and Tracy Mauck of Cabot, Vt.; Elizabeth Duff of Newbury; Dr. Julia Duff of Oakland, CA; Dr. Gregory and Kim Duff of Seabeck,WA; and Mark and Michele Duff of Rumford, RI. Esty was predeceased by her daughter Cynthia Goffman, and is survived by her son-in-law Misha Goffman. In addition she leaves 13 grandchildren and two great grandchildren: Kara Ganley, LA; Ian Ganley; Cambridge; Jonathan Duff, Miami, FL, Ashleigh Duff, Georgetown; Taylor Barrett Duff, Georgetown; Forrest and Valerie Mauck-Duff, Sedro Woolley WA; Ryland Mauck Duff, Pocatello, ID; Delia Cox; Boston; Dylan Cox, Boston; Brandon Duff; WA; Finnegan Duff, WA; Joss Duff Rumford RI; China Duff, Rumford RI and great-granddaughters Awnika and Jayden Mauck-Duff of Sedro Wooley,WA Esty’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 16, 2011 at St. Mary’s Annunciation Church, Conant St., Danvers at 10:00 AM to which relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Friday at her home “Oakmarsh,” 36 Elm St., Byfield from 4:00 until 8:00 PM. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, 990 La Grange Ave in West Roxbury.