Mary Elizabeth Duncan

Mary Elizabeth Palmer Duncan, 68 of Clinton, passed away January 27, 2025. Born February 10,1956 to the late Ralph and Grace Palmer. She was a life-long resident of Clinton. Mary was a 1975 graduate of Northwest High School and held an associate's degree in social work from the University of Akron. Mary had a love for people and especially older adults. She translated this love into her work in various long-term settings and in being a faithful and fierce friend to all who knew her. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, cousins Annie Rheam, and Jim and June Gilcrest, who she loyally cared for. Mary is survived by her loving family who were the pride and joy of her life, sons Joshua and Matt (Allison) and grandchildren Iz, James, and Leah.
Mary's legacy is one of joy, warmth, and unwavering love for those around her. Known for her kindness and generosity of spirit, she had an extraordinary ability to make those she knew well, and those she just met feel like lifelong friends. "My Friend" speaks to how she wanted to be remembered and her held attributes of Mother, Yielded Faith, Fun, Relationships, Encourager, Nurturer, and Devoted. She will be deeply missed by all those friends but forever remembered by all those lives she touched.
There are many ways to celebrate a life well-lived.
A beautiful song, poem, or phrase are prettiest.
The acrostic spells out the qualities of the one we love.
Illuminating what is known and often spoken of.
If you are one who had the chance to spend your time with her.
You'll know the care she gave to you; it was her special power.
It may be simple, but it's sweet to summarize this way.
This time it may not be enough, but she told me what to say.
Of all that matters in this life and all that could be penned,
She simply wanted to be known as "My Friend."
M is for Mother, her true legacy; her children call her blessed; it's how she was gratified.
Her family knew her guiding hand, now honoring her with grateful hearts and ever joyful pride.
Y is for Yielded Faith, as she lived recognizing and acknowledging that God is in control.
She placed herself in Jesus' love and sought diligently to find rest for her very soul.
F is for Fun, as with a twinkle in blue eyes, she had an infectious, yet thoughtful zest for living.
You wanted to be at her events, "financial deal", or games despite knowing she'd be winning.
R is for Relationship, as we grew as friends together, we laughed and shared our dreams.
She understood the importance of silence when needed, truth-telling and sharing our memories.
I is for Inclusion, she was interested, loved spending time with you; no one was ever left out.
She never met a stranger, or didn't know everything there was to know, and all you were about.
E is for Encourager, as she had a wonderful way of listening and being there just for you.
You told her of troubles and triumphs, sure she'd recognize your needs and personal value.
N is for Nurturer, as she would do anything to help you and readily gave of her heart.
Lending a shoulder to cry on, a good neighbor to everyone; to keep you from falling apart.
D is for Devoted, as she had your back, healing with hope and love in all your life's pursuits.
Having faith that God would act along life's way to help you see the journey through.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held MONDAY, February 10, 2025, 5:00 pm at the Orchard Hill Christian Church, 2545 W Comet Rd. Clinton, OH 44216. Visitation 3:00-5:00 pm at the church.
Mary's celebration of life service will be live streamed at Mary Duncan Celebration of Life Service
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Mary Elizabeth (Palmer) Duncan, please visit our floral store.