Lois F. Duffy
Nov. 26, 1925 - July 23, 2018

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Calistoga resident Lois F. Duffy passed away peacefully at her home in Chateau Calistoga holding the hand of her loving daughter-in-law, Laura.

Lois was born to William Maurice Roughton and Ora Margeal Brown Roughton in Pomona, Calif., on Nov. 26, 1925.

While still a young teen, her father passed away leaving big sister, Lois, to help her mother care for younger sister, Billie and baby brother, Dick.

She also helped with tending to their small family garden and animals, although her mother said no girls of hers would ever milk the cow lest they be forever stuck on the farm!

Ora told Lois to finish school and get a job, and she did. Lois graduated from Chaffey Union High school in Ontario, Calif., on June 10, 1943. One week later, she started working at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Corona, Calif., until February 1946. She received a letter of thanks from President Harry S. Truman.

It was there at the hospital that Lois met a tall, handsome man in uniform, from the big city, named Jack Duffy. They were married on July 21, 1946, in San Francisco.

Lois, being a country girl, and Jack, being a devoted and loving husband, agreed when she wanted to move back to the country. They moved to San Mateo where they lived for many years on 10th Avenue.

Her first job after marriage was at the betting window at the Tanforan Racetrack so she could buy a new refrigerator.

Her son Steve came along in 1950, and in 1954 Martin was adopted into the family.

Lois dedicated her life to working and volunteering for numerous Catholic churches and charities in San Francisco, San Mateo, Lake, Napa and Sonoma counties. She received a Certificate of Achievement from the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley, and she became one of the first women permitted by The Church to administer communion to homebound people.

In the 1980s, Lois and Jack retired and spent many happy years in the Clear Lake Riviera in Kelseyville until Jack's passing.

A year and a half later in 1997, Lois spent her first Christmas at Chateau Calistoga, where she was known as the "go-to-gal" from anyone needing rides to the doctor, the grocery store, and even the occasional veterinarian.

Lois was preceded in death by her mother and father; her siblings; as well as her favorite "fun" aunt, Aunt Loma. She was also the great-great-great-great granddaughter to Declaration of Independence signer, John Morton of Pennsylvania.

She is survived by her son, Martin and wife, Laura; grandchildren, Ryan, Richard and Erin; great-granddaughter, Harper; son, Steve and wife, Janet; granddaughter, Megan; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff of Collabria Hospice, especially Maureen, Bonnie and Cathryn, without whom Lois' journey would not have been as loving and peaceful as it was.

Services will be at O.L.P.H Catholic Church (901 Washington St. in Calistoga) on Monday, July 30, at 10 a.m. with interment to follow at Kelseyville Cemetery in Lake County, Calif., and a Celebration of Lois' life will begin at the Chateau Calistoga Club House on Champagne West in Calistoga at 5 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

If you wish, donations can be to Catholic Charities in Lois' name.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.