Janet Dahl Duffy

She attended and graduated from Radnor HS where she met her lifelong partner and husband Jerry.

Jan began her career as a car insurance underwriter before dedicating 18 years to raising her family as a full-time homemaker — a role she embraced with love, humor, and heart. Later, she returned to the workforce, becoming an office manager for a commercial vehicle leasing company in Annapolis, a position she held until her retirement in 2019. She balanced grace and grit — whether at home, at work, or out in the community.

Jan was the kind of person who made everyone feel like they belonged. She lit up every room she walked into and made people feel like they mattered — her joy came from family, friends, and the little things in life. After spending 45 wonderful years in Annapolis, she and her husband of 54 years, Jerry Duffy, moved to the Landfall community in Wilmington in 2020, where she quickly became a beloved friend and neighbor — the kind of person who made new places feel like home.

Jan was the kind of person who never missed a birthday, a game, or a chance to make someone laugh. She loved a great round of golf, a competitive pickleball match, a long hand of cards, and the sound of laughter around a mahjong table. She had a gift for building community — whether through a dinner party, a girls’ trip, or a casual gathering on the porch with a glass of wine and good conversation.

More than anything, Jan showed up — with energy, with laughter, with that spark that made every get-together better just because she was in the room. She was the life of the party, the one dealing the cards, telling the stories, and making sure no one ever felt left out. She had a way of turning ordinary moments into memories, just by being herself.

Her friends remember her as joyful, funny, kind, and inclusive — someone who gave generously of her time and spirit, who brought people together and made everyone feel like they belonged. Whether it was leading a hand and foot group, planning a golf outing, or simply welcoming someone new, Jan made life lighter and more joyful for everyone around her.

Her illness came on suddenly and progressed rapidly, but her grace and strength never wavered. She spent her final days comfortably and surrounded by family in her beautiful home. She is survived by her devoted husband, Jerry; her daughter, Kelly Dovi, and her husband Joel; her son, Tom Duffy, and his wife Maura; and her sister, Susan Dahl. Jan was a proud and deeply involved grandmother to seven grandchildren: Mia, Kate, Tommy, Mick, Connor, Joey, and Sadie — each of whom lit up her world. She will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to have been touched by her joy for life.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Condolences can be sent to the family at www.coblegreenlawn.com