Katherine E. Duff, 85, Played Bass Violin
Katherine E. Duff (nee Frey)-85 of Sheffield Lake, formerly of Chicago, Ill, passed away Sunday, May 6 at Community Health Partners Hospital and Surgical Center, Lorain, following complications of congestive heart failure. Mrs. Duff was born, October 14, 1915 in Chicago, Ill and moved to the area in 1945. She has lived in Sheffield Lake for the past 50 years.Prior to her marriage, Mrs. Duff professionally played Bass Violin; she was a member of the Chicago Women's Symphony Orchestra. She played with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and traveled through out the eastern half of the United States for musical engagements. In addition to being an accomplished musician, she was employed by the office of Monsignor John Barrett of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Mrs. Duff was a Life member of the American Federation of Musicians, Local 10-208. She was also a member of St. Thomas Parish and enjoyed reading.
Her husband of 29 years, the late Gordon E. Duff, passed away in 1971. She survived by 4 sons, Attorney Michael J. of Sheffield Lake, Gerald L. of Stony Brook, NY, Edward G. of Denver, CO and John T. of Garden Grove, CA. Other survivors include a brother James T. Fry of Antioch, IL, 8 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Besides her husband, she is preceded in death by a son Martin S. (1993), a sister Margaret Fry and parents, George and Catherine (nee Feeney).