MAISIE A. DUKE

Maisie Alice Fancella Duke passed away on December 27, 2015, at the age of 65, after a lengthy
illness. Maisie was born on July 26, 1950, in Indiana, Pennsylvania, to Antonio and Maisie
Fancella. Maisie's father was a coal miner and WWII veteran, and her mother was a war bride
from Leicestershire, England.
As a young girl, Maisie moved with her mother and siblings to El Paso, Texas. She had fond
memories of attending school at Holy Family Catholic School. She graduated from Irvin High
School with her class, despite working half days. She married Charles Duke in 1983 in El Paso,
where they lived and loved until her death.
Maisie loved to work. She had a lengthy work history beginning when she was just 16 years old
as a clerk at the Sears candy counter and continuing with her later career in real estate. Maisie
held her real estate license, and she worked as a researcher for several large real estate brokerage
and management companies. She managed a large condominium complex and a multitenant
office building. She was the office manager for the largest commercial real estate appraisal firm
in El Paso, and she was as a Land and Contract Specialist with the City of El Paso, where she
worked prior to her disability. Maisie was forced to retire after suffering a paralyzing aneurism in
2006, and her husband retired shortly thereafter to care for Maisie at home.
Many people remember Maisie for her amazing memory. She was incredibly kind to others and
was always willing to lend a helping hand to family, friends, and coworkers.
She was often
remembered for her beautiful pale blue eyes.
Maisie loved to travel; her favorite destination was Las Vegas, but she also liked the mountains
and the ocean. More than anything, though, Maisie loved to cook. She often said that after her
paralysis, she missed cooking the most. Maisie loved holidays and celebrations with family,
especially the young children.
Maisie is preceded in death by her father, Antonio Fancella, and her brother, Tony Fancella. She
is survived by her husband Charles Duke, her mother Maisie Baird, and her siblings Rachel
Baird, David Roman, Byrgen Finkelman, Peggy Fancella Shaulis, and Linda Fancella. Maisie is
also survived by her daughter Dianne Johnson, her son Matthew Johnson, her stepdaughter
Laura Duke, and her stepson
Jason Duke. Maisie is survived by her grandchildren Alexis
Villaseñor, Cheyann Hayes, Nathan Johnson, Elise Harrington, Anne and Beatrice Seale, and
Elliott Duke, and by her greatgrandchildren
Brianne and Teddy Villaseñor. Maisie is survived
by her niece Abigail Finkelman and nephews Isaac Finkelman, Michael Fancella, David
Fancella, and Jeffery Seay.
A private service was held for family members on Sunday, January 3, 2016, at Martin Funeral
Home West. Flowers may be sent to 5821 Burning Tree, El Paso, Texas, 79912. Memories and
condolences may be shared on the Martin Funeral Home website.