Marcia Duncan "Marci" Dailey

In Loving Memory of Marcia Anne (Jewett) Duncan Dailey

A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor, next year, on July 2, 2026, beginning at 3:00pm with a Visitation one hour prior at 2:00pm at Skroch Funeral Chapel in Flandreau, SD. In lieu of gifts or flowers, a donation in Marci's name can be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

With full hearts and lasting love, we announce the passing of Marci Duncan Dailey on July 31, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's. Though the disease slowly took her memories, it never took her kindness, her warmth, or her endless ability to say "I love you." She left this world just as she lived in it-loved deeply and loving others in return.

Marci was born on December 1, 1949, in South Dakota, and graduated from Flandreau High School in 1968. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree from South Dakota State University in 1973, launching a distinguished and decades-long career in pharmacy that took her across hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and small-town drugstores throughout Minnesota and South Dakota. Whether she was serving as the Director of Pharmacy at Sioux Valley Hospital in the '70s or floating across rural pharmacies later in her career, she brought unmatched intelligence, compassion, and diligence to every role. She even started her own pharmacy, Ivanhoe Drug, where she operated for 13 years with unwavering dedication and pride - for no matter who showed up or how much they offered, their payment was always "Just enough!"

Marci was truly one of a kind-a woman of deep intellect, warmth, and humor. Nicknamed "Marcipedia," she had a razor-sharp mind and an uncanny ability to retain information. She could devour books in hours, debate any topic with passion (and often win), and hold a room with wit and grace. She was a woman who knew things-and she had a gift for making sure you knew them too.

She was also a master of more practical magic-especially in the kitchen. Marci's food didn't just nourish bodies; it brought people together. She rarely used a recipe, instead crafting unforgettable meals through instinct and love. Her home was a haven for family dinners, holidays, and perfectly hosted parties. There was always room for one more plate at Marci's table.

Marci had a long-standing love affair with fashion-especially shoes-and could never quite pass a department store without finding something fabulous. She was glamorous, yet grounded; a homecoming queen and cheerleader who also sewed her own clothes, including wedding and bridesmaid dresses for others. Her creativity and style were uniquely her own.

More than anything, Marci loved her family. She raised six children over nearly three decades-each one different, each one wholly loved. She was fiercely protective, endlessly giving, and somehow always knew just what each child or grandchild needed. Her grandchildren were the brightest lights in her later years, and her pride in them knew no bounds.

Marci is preceded in death by her parents, Marshall and Lovell Jewett; sister, Janet (Jewett) Keck; and brothers: Robert, Thomas, and James Jewett.

Marci is survived by her beloved husband, Dean Dailey, who cared for her with unfailing love and devotion; brothers, Roger and Randall Jewett; children: Kelly Duncan (Vicky), Joseph Duncan (Trisha), Daniel Duncan (Erin), Suzanne Espenson (Doug), Peter Dailey (Kate), and Beau Dailey (Emma); stepchildren: Sean Olson (Dee), Michelle Olson, and Stacey Schuldt (Rod); grandchildren: Christopher Duncan, Peyton Duncan (Kaitlyn), Ava Duncan, Claire Duncan, Olivia Duncan, Jacob Duncan, Johnny Duncan, Lovell Espenson, and Elaine Espenson; and step-grandchildren: Joshua Olson, Corey Hawke (Nikki), Tyler Hawke (Brooke), Rylie Rosenfeld, and Gannon Rosenfeld.

She was loved by so many and made friends everywhere she went-even in the final chapters of her life, as a resident of Norbella Memory Care. Her hugs, kisses, and warmth left lasting impressions on the caregivers who quickly came to adore her.

Marci may not have checked off all the travels on her dream list, but she traveled widely in the lives and hearts of those she touched. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience, laughter, loyalty, and fierce love.

She will be missed beyond measure-and remembered always.