Betty Duffy Obituary

In Loving Memory of
Betty Lou Duffy (nee: Evinger)
April 16, 1940 - May 7, 2025
It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that The Duffy Family announces the passing of Betty Lou Evinger Duffy, age 85, this May, after a long, but courageous encounter with pneumonia.
Betty was born in the spring of 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, to Mary and Ernest Evinger. Betty's father Ernie passed away when she was only 14. As a child and young adult, she spent many exciting days at the Michigan Central Station and eventually Grand Central Station where her mother worked, traveling between Detroit and New York City often. During high school, Betty lived with her Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Walter Finan, and close cousins, Ginger, Bud (Walter) and Ellen. She was a 1958 graduate of Redford High School, and soon after high school, Betty lived in NYC with her mother for a short time in Yonkers.
She returned home to Detroit and went on to become an X-ray technician at a local hospital, Grace Hospital, for several years before meeting the love of her life, Michael John Duffy, at a church event hosted by Little Sisters of the Poor, a Catholic religious order in Detroit. Shortly after, they married in 1963 at Duns Scotus College, a Franciscan Catholic Order in Southfield, Michigan. Betty and Mike had two children, Anne and Patrick, and they lived a fruitful and blessed life together in Livonia, Michigan for many decades. Betty eventually went back to work in a career in the health and life insurance industry.
A longtime resident of Livonia, Betty was deeply involved in her children's lives and supported community activities such as Tot-Lot preschool, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and neighborhood gatherings. She had a love for crocheting, exploring natural health remedies, and cats, sharing her home with many feline companions over the years.
Later, her interest in the Bible intensified and she deepened her spiritual journey by joining the Southeast Oakland Bible Students, where she became a dedicated biblical scholar and active member for over 30 years. She made many deep-lasting friendships there, as her kindness touched everyone she met.
Betty was a gentle soul who loved God, mankind and always helped the less fortunate if she was able. Betty and Mike, were happily married for almost 50 years until his sudden passing in 2013.
Betty's final home was an independent senior home called Ashford Court in Westland. She loved the people there and often mentioned how happy she was living there. The sense of community brought her joy, new friendships and grounding connections.
Betty was predeceased by her beloved husband, Michael J. Duffy and her sister Mary Carol Rodgers. She is survived by her daughter, Anne Duffy; and her son, Patrick Duffy and wife, Laura; her "grandcat," Cupcake; her "adult adopted" daughter and dearest friend, Cindy Baertson; and her close neighbor, Donna Jean Staszak. She loved her extended family dearly, and leaves behind many beloved cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews (Senkbeils, Rodgers, Augustyniaks, Flowers, Argentas, Finans/Saleebys, Rudzinskis, Duffys, Kelleys, Pellitiers, and Carstens), longtime neighbors and many lifetime friends such as Melissa Cooke (The daughter of Betty's lifetime best friend, the late Patricia O'Flarity).
Betty was a faithful servant of The Lord, a devoted wife, mother, and friend, whose compassion and faith inspired those around her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Obituary written by her family.
Arrangements by SIMPLE FUNERALS (248-227-1954)
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