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In memory of
Elizabeth Desmond Duffield
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Elizabeth's obituary
She was born February 27th, 1937 to George and Marion Desmond in Gardener Maine. An only child, with a streak of independence, she wanted to go to boarding school where all the rules were the same for all students!
After boarding school, Betty attended Tufts University. That’s where she first saw the love of her life across a piano during choir practice. Three years later, she and Frederick Duffield Jr. were married on a stormy December 23rd in Maine with snowflakes as big as saucers.
After marriage, they began their Navy life together and eventually settled in Norfolk, VA where they started a family. Betty had three children by the time she was 25 years old and loved being a mother. She was very independent and was used to being a single mom for many months as Fred was away on duty as a Naval aviator.
In addition to being a phenomenal mother, Betty volunteered as an interviewer for the Navy Relief Society, was a Girl Scout Troop leader and heavily involved with the PTA as well as her children’s sports and cheerleading activities.
When the Navy sent the family to Cleveland, Ohio, Betty decided that the kids, now in 7th, 9th, and 11th grades, didn’t need a stay at home mom. She became a licensed realtor, which was an event that changed her and her family’s life. In her first year, she matched Fred’s salary as a Navy commander. People loved doing business with Betty, because they trusted her. She would often tell clients not to ‘settle’ for a house that was not perfect for them.
In 1986, Betty and Fred moved to Keowee Key, South Carolina, where they both sold real estate and enjoyed semi-retirement and the golf and boating amenities. Betty was also a fierce advocate for animals and volunteered for years with the Oconee Humane Society. They were also home base to many family gatherings throughout the years in their beautiful custom-built home.
Fred and Betty were married for 45 years when Fred passed away in December of 2001. Betty tapped back into her Navy wife days, and was able to live alone and stay active in the Keowee Key community. She continued to host family gatherings until 2016, when she moved to Atlanta, Ga to be close to her youngest son, George, his wife Leslie, and granddaughter Erin.
Betty lost her son Frederick Duffield III (Cheryl) in 2018 and is survived by her daughter, Linda, her son George (Leslie), her grandchildren Frederick Duffield IV (Jessica) Ryan Lacek (Cory), Derek Kuyper (Kristen) and Erin Collins. She is also survived by her great granddaughter Kate Kuyper.
Due to Covid, there will be a memorial service in September in Keowee Key, South Carolina (details forthcoming). Any donations are asked to be directed to the Oconee Humane Society at www.oconeehumane.org in her memory.
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In lieu of flowers
Please consider a gift to Oconee Humane Society.
$750.00
Raised by 10 people
Recent contributions
Recent contributions
In lieu of flowers
Please consider a gift to Oconee Humane Society.
$750.00
Raised by 10 people
Recent contributions
Recent contributions
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Created with love by
George Duffield (Elizabeth's son).
