Gloria M. Duff

1935 - 2026

Gloria M. Duff
1935 - 2026
Gloria May (James) Duff, 90, of Manchester, CT, passed away peacefully on January 27th, 2026, surrounded by family. Affectionately known to all as "Tootie," she was born on February 5, 1935, in Willimantic, CT, the daughter of the late Newton and Evelyn (Carpenter) James. Gloria was a proud graduate of Windham High School, Class of 1953, and followed her calling into healthcare, graduating from the Hartford Hospital School of Nursing in 1955.
Gloria's nursing career began at Hartford Hospital and spanned decades of dedicated service. She eventually moved to Manchester Manor and then to the Meadows Convalescent Home in Manchester, where she spent more than 20 years. She was a fixture on the "C Wing," where her compassionate care and professional eye were a comfort to countless patients and their families.
Gloria's life was filled with faith and community spirit. She was a lifelong member of Assumption Catholic Church and the Verplanck School PTA. She was also an avid sports fan who never missed an opportunity to cheer on her beloved UConn Lady Huskies.
Gloria was predeceased by her beloved husband of 47 years, Harold F. Duff, and her daughter-in-law, Joellen Duff. She is survived by her five children and their spouses: David Duff and his wife Sarah of Fairfield, CT; Pamela (Duff) Richards and her husband Bill of Vero Beach, FL; Karen (Duff) Boland and her husband Dan of Loxahatchee, FL; Thomas Duff and his wife Donna of Cromwell, CT; and Gwenn (Duff) Mitchell and her husband Mike of Wolcott, CT.
She also leaves behind her brother, Gerald James, and his wife, Geraldine of Storrs, CT, and a large extended family, including numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends in the Manchester community.
Gloria's legacy of love is most visible in her 16 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild, almost all of whom spent numerous weekends and vacations with her and "Grampa Tootie". Her home was more than a shelter; it was a living archive that listened and kept records. The basement walls bore the signatures of grandchildren and their friends, names left behind during visits when someone needed a seat, a cup of coffee, or a listening ear. Where stories were shared and birthdays celebrated.
Family and friends are invited to call at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center Street, Manchester, CT, on Tuesday, February 3rd, from 4 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, February 4th, at 11:00 a.m. at Assumption Catholic Church, 27 Adams Street S., Manchester, CT. There will be a celebration of life in the spring, which the family will announce at a later date. The John F. Tierney Funeral Home will post these details on its website when available.
In place of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, https://www.cancer.org/. For online condolences, please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.