Vilma Relimpio Duffy

Vilma Relimpio Duffy passed away peacefully on September 16, 2023, at the beautiful age of 94. A testament to the impact she had, she was surrounded by those who cherished her and who will carry with them the memories of her jubilant and fulfilled life.

Born in 1929 in New Orleans to Amelia and V. G. Relimpio, Vilma was one of two daughters. Her sister Inez was her greatest friend.

During WWII on the Riverboat President, a blue-eyed young Irishman named Warren Joseph Duffy locked eyes with Vilma, and the rest was a beautiful history resulting in four children, nine grandchildren, and fourteen (soon to be seventeen) great grandchildren.

Vilma and Warren ultimately established roots in the River Parishes, where Vilma poured her heart and soul into her family. She was a devoted daughter, wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Her family will cherish the fond memories of Ponchatoula camp weekends, Friday fish fries, Duffy Christmas, and of course, Mardi Gras on the Avenue.

Vilma would be instrumental in starting a tradition, embraced by her children and grandchildren, that has seen their family and friends celebrate Mardi Gras in the same spot on the Avenue for more than 40 years. Vilma's presence will be greatly missed on the Avenue, but her legacy will undisputedly live on.

Heads turned when Vilma walked into the room. She lived life fully and fiercely. Vilma will be remembered by her family and loved ones as vibrant, compassionate, selfless, and faithful. She was the rock and foundation of the Duffy family. There will never be another like Vilma. However, her loved ones are confident that the family she created, the lessons she’s embedded in them, and the memories they’ll hold dear will forever keep her memory alive.

Vilma was warmly welcomed into heaven by her husband Warren, her daughter Deidre, her sister Inez, and her parents, Amelia and V. G. Relimpio. Her family is comforted knowing that she’s reunited with these loved ones who she has missed so deeply, and that they likely welcomed her with an Old Fashioned – easy on the bitters.

She was a loving mother to her daughter Deidre and her three sons, Warren, Jr. (Marilyn), Duaine (Karen), and Darren (Laura). Vilma was the proud grandmother of nine: Danya (Chris), Davven (Alison), Danielle (Chad), Derek (Andrea), Dianna (Michael), Donovan (Brooke), Katie (Jonathan), Patrick (Hannah), and Bryce (Kat). Her heart apparently had more room, and she welcomed fourteen great grandchildren, with three more on the way. She was adored by countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who became family.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 22, 2023 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 13396 River Road, Destrehan, LA. Visitation will be held from 11 AM – 12 PM with a funeral Mass to begin at 12 PM.