Dorothy Grochan Duke

Dorothy Grochan Duke, age 74, of Cary, NC passed away on June 29, 2023. Dorothy was born October 17, 1948 in Tarrytown, New York to Mr. Richard Valentine and Mrs. Louise Martinson Grochan.

After graduating from Georgia State University with a BA in education in 1970, Dorothy taught elementary school for brief amount of time before taking time off to raise her three children. In 1982 she began her second career working for The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) in the Research Triangle Park for over 30 years before retiring as Chief Grants Administrator.

Dorothy was also a very active member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Cary, NC. She and her children joined the small, new two-building church in 1982 and she became instrumental in the growth of the church to the thriving campus it has become today. She taught Sunday school, served on the vestry, as church accountant, participated in many fundraising events that contributed to its expansion, helped develop the youth group programs and participated in many Habitat for Humanity service projects. She was an active member in the women's group and helped plan and organize the annual beach trips each year. Dorothy also was on the grounds committee and played an active role in the upkeep of the beautiful gardens and lawns.

Upon retirement Dorothy enjoyed spending more time with family and friends. She remained active at St. Paul's Church and still enjoyed volunteering in the community, hosting parties, gardening, traveling and spending time on the North Carolina Coast where she could watch the surf from her balcony. She also had a love of animals and had several pets she enjoyed caring for.

Dorothy is survived by her husband, Steven Robert Duke of Cary NC, three children, Thea Marie Craft of Raleigh, NC, Maxwell Clay Williams of Wilmington NC, Anne Williams McClure and husband Bryan of Ridgeland, SC, five granddaughters, Elizabeth, Sara, Charlotte, Trice and Louise, her brother Donald Grochan and wife Mary of Glen Rock NJ, her sister Susan Bunder of Social Circle, GA and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Dorothy is predeceased by her parents and brother Richard Valentine Grochan. Dorothy was deeply loved by many throughout her community. She was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, aunt, sister and friend to everyone and will be missed dearly by everyone that knew her.

A service will take place at St. Paul's Episcopal Church at 221 Union Street in Cary, NC on Saturday, July 29 at 11:00am. Donations can be made to the National Scleroderma Foundation at - https://scleroderma.org/ways-to-give/.