Susan Gladys Duffy

1940 - 2023

Susan Gladys Duffy
Born: March 22, 1940
Died: August 14, 2023
Susan Gladys Duffy (Reidt), 83, of McHenry, IL, passed away on August 14, 2023. She was born on March 22, 1940, in Rockville Centre, New York, to the late Walter and Gladys Reidt.
Susan was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to the arts and art-related businesses, particularly in the Fox Valley area. Susan "revere(d) art as truth and a divine means of communication," and started two successful businesses which allowed her to nurture her creative, entrepreneurial spirit - - The Growing Concern in Aurora, a plant rental business, and Gatherings-A Gallery of Fine Crafts in St. Charles. Gatherings afforded her an opportunity to seek out and meet other artists from across the U.S. and showcase their work in her shop.
In addition to her artistic endeavors, Susan was actively involved in her community. She was employed by and volunteered her time and talents for various organizations across the Fox Valley, including the American Cancer Society, the Salvation Army, and The Aurora Historical Society. She served on the boards and was a member of The Stage Company in Aurora, Aurora Historical Society, Kane County Tourism Board, Fox Valley Arts Council, Batavia Art Guild, Door County Art League, and Aurora Public Art Commission. among others.
Susan's love for entertaining allowed her to share her gourmet cooking skills and flair for hospitality with others. Her eclectic taste in music and furnishings filled her home. Her warmth and generosity touched the lives of many. She was a devoted daughter, mother, sister, friend, and neighbor.
Susan is survived by her loving children, Suzanne Duffy, Edward Duffy, and Catherine Polster, as well as her son-in-law John Polster. She is also survived by her sister Karen, her granddaughters Elizabeth Polster, Emily Phillips (Edward), Lilly Polster, Clare Polster, Caroline Polster, and grandson Benjamin Polster as well as her great-grandchildren Blaise, William, Ambrose, Lucy, and Charles Phillips. She is also survived by her ex-husband Edward Duffy. Susan was preceded in death by her daughter Karen Duffy, her parents, Walter and Gladys Reidt, her brothers William Reidt and Warren Reidt, and her niece Susanna Iacovelli.
Susan's life will be celebrated during a memorial service on Friday, October 20, 2023, at 11:00 am Central Time at Holy Angels Church, located at 180 South Russell, Aurora, IL 60506. Visitation will also occur at Holy Angels, before the funeral Mass, from 10:30-11:00 am. https://www.holy-angels.org/ Reception to follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made to the Door County Land Trust, an organization that Susan held dear. https://www.doorcountylandtrust.org/
Susan Gladys Duffy will be remembered as a passionate artist, a dedicated community member, and a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her creative spirit and kind heart will continue to inspire all those who knew her.