Obituary of Eileen Duffy

Eileen Duffy, 82, died peacefully Wednesday, August 6, 2025, surrounded by her beloved husband James and two children, Elizabeth and David.

Born in New York, Eileen was the eldest of two children of Joseph and Rita Ponzini.  A graduate of Mary Lewis Academy, Eileen went onto earn her bachelors degree from Marymount College, during which time she met the love of her life, James.

The two married in 1964, beginning their life together in Flushing, NY before settling in Lattingtown Harbor, NY where they raised their family and built a home filled with love for the next 47 years.

Eileen dedicated more than 30 years to teaching mathematics at Valley Stream South High School, followed by five years working in staff development and teacher training. Her career culminated in the publication of a book on teaching mathematics, positively influencing educators and students alike.

Always an advocate for fellow teachers, Eileen was very involved New York State United Teachers union served as the President of the South High School Union for many years.

Retirement did nothing to slow her down. Eileen poured her energy into the Greenville Baker Boys Club organizing the Annual Clothing Sale. Her decade of service and fundraising earned her induction into the Boys Club’s Hall of Fame. A passionate gardener, she didn’t just join the Locust Valley Garden Club—she earned her Master Gardener certification.

When she wasn’t working, volunteering, or tending her garden, Eileen loved to travel the world with her family. Vacations often included hiking, horseback riding, or skiing—always learning, exploring and seeking adventure.

Her energy and passion was undeterred by a pancreatic cancer diagnosis and ongoing treatment, during which she hiked the Dolomites, enjoyed the beaches of St John and fulfilled a life long dream of attending a Formula 1 race.

Eileen is survived by her husband, James; her daughter, Elizabeth (Nigel); her son, David; and her brother, Robert (Cathie).

Friends and relatives are invited to gather on Thursday, August 14, and Friday, August 15 (2–4 p.m. and 6–8 p.m.) at Dodge-Thomas Funeral Home in Glen Cove. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, August 16, at 11:00 a.m. at the Reformed Church of Locust Valley.

As a longtime parishioner and former church elder, in lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Reformed Church of Locust Valley.