Joan Duffy

1947 - 2025

Joan Duffy
07/06/1947 - 06/26/2025
Joan Irene Duffy (Sawdey) passed away suddenly in San Francisco, California on June 26, 2025, at the age of 77. Joan was born in San Francisco, California on July 6, 1947, and lived her entire life in the City. Joan, the only child of Ronald and Isabel Sawdey, grew up in the Excelsior District and attended Balboa High School, which she graduated from in 1965. Joan met William M. (Bill) Duffy shortly after his honorable discharge from the Navy that same year. Joan and Bill were married in Carmel in September 1968 and celebrated 39 years together prior to Bill's passing in December 2007. Joan worked in the library at the City College of San Francisco for over 33 years as a bookkeeper before her retirement in the early 2000's. Joan made many lifelong friends during her time at CCSF. In addition to their jobs, Joan and Bill acquired multiple residential properties in San Francisco and on the Peninsula, which Joan expertly managed up to the time of her passing. They loved to travel, with multiple trips to Europe, Asia and Mexico, including numerous cruise vacations.
Joan is predeceased by her parents, husband Bill, sister-in-law Joan Malley and brothers-in-law Tom Duffy, Owen Duffy and Al Malley, and nephews Michael and Daniel Malley. Joan is survived by her sister-in-law Janet Duffy (CSJ), cousins Tommy Ericsson and Judi Keith, nephew James and his wife Jill Malley, Daniel Malley's wife Suzanne Malley, and great nephews, Sean and Kevin Malley. Joan was a wonderful person that will be deeply missed by her family.
The family would like to especially thank Joan's two dearest friends and caregivers, Christine Bussard and Fredy Navas, for all that they did to support Joan for so many years. She deeply loved you both and appreciated you being so important in her life.
A gravesite burial service will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery, 1500 Mission Road in Colma on Friday, July 11th at 11:00 AM. Friends are welcome to attend.