On the morning of July 4, 2025, Jacquelyn Marie Duffey, 91, passed away at her Clinton Township, Michigan home in the presence of her beloved granddaughter and caretaker, Valerie Ann Decker. Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred James Trombly and Argentine (Commer); her two sisters, Beverly (Brown) and Gloria (Merucci); and her beloved husband, Donald Lewis Duffey. She is survived by her eight children: Vanessa Spicuzzi (Steve), Donald Duffey, Jr. (Barbara Tjapkes), Pamela Lamberts (Dave), Al Duffey (Eileen Carlsen), Brian Duffey (Debra Merrill), Kimberly Damico (Micheal), Kevin Duffey (Enitha Kentjanawati), Brady Duffey (Michelle Deitrich); 28 grandchildren; 58 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.
On August 8, 1933 Jacquelyn Marie Trombly was born in Detroit, Michigan, destined to become a devoted, nurturing mother. Her own mother suddenly passed when Jackie was four years old and she was integral in raising her two younger sisters. Jackie, Beverly, and Gloria spent their formative years with their father, Aunt Sadie, Uncle Joe and their daughter, Rosie, who quickly became a big sister to Jackie. The sisters formed an undeniable bond with each other and many cousins. This foundation of love and importance of family carried through the beautiful life Jackie and Don would build together.
Don and Jackie were married in 1951 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Roseville. He made her laugh, and they laughed together daily. Lovers of travel and determined to include their children, Jackie and Don were accompanied by young Vanessa, Donny, and Pamela on their five year anniversary trip to Niagara Falls. As the family grew, so did their annual trips, eventually including many destinations such as Yellowstone and The Grand Canyon. One of their most memorable adventures was driving their packed station wagon to Disneyland in California while Jackie was pregnant with their eighth child, Brady. In retirement, Jackie and Don traveled to Europe and “Out West” every year in their 5th wheel.
After Don’s passing in 2001, Jackie found solace in friendship and family, continuing her travels and rediscovering her smile. In 2010, Jackie met Bernie Grabe who was her joyful companion until his passing in 2019.
Jackie adored her role as wife, mother and grandmother. The Duffey home was always full as Jackie and Don loved hosting parties for friends and holidays for family. Jackie treasured babies and her natural ability to comfort infants remained her superpower…she still “had it” even into her 90s. Her home was solace and fun for children at every age. There were bins of toys in the basement, a pool table, games, and cookies always available at Grandma’s house. Jackie and friends or her adult children could often be found at her kitchen table playing cards with a pot of coffee brewing. Games, laughter and joy also keep the family traveling together with the annual Duffey Camping trip to sites throughout Michigan, attendance sometimes topping 120 family members, where we still sing campfire songs that Don’s and Jackie’s kids made up in that station wagon.
Jackie will be missed but her best qualities live within those who love her. We nurture children fiercely and welcome all to our table. She will always be our inspiration as a strong, Christian wife, mother and grandmother.
The family will greet guests from 2:00pm until 8:00pm with a 7:00pm Memory Sharing Service on Friday, July 11, 2025 at Resurrection Funeral Home, 40800 Hayes Rd, Clinton Township, Michigan. Funeral Mass will be held at 9:30am on Saturday, July 12 at St. Michael Catholic Church, 40501 Hayes Rd, Sterling Heights. In State from 9:00am until time of mass. Private family inurnment to be held at a later date at Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton Twp., Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital (www.mottchildren.org/giving) or Make-A-Wish Foundation (www.wish.org) in memory of Jacquelyn Duffey.
