1931
Claire
2024
Claire Elizabeth Duff
July 18, 1931 — March 19, 2024
Phoenix
Claire is survived by her husband of 68 years, Roden Robinson Duff III, and her six daughters Mary Claire, Susanne Ellen, Barbara Ann, Teresa Marie, Joan Frances and Margaret Catherine, five siblings John Barker, Jane Sweeney, Martha Landry, Judy John and Pam Brooks. She was the proud grandmother of nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. How she loved children. She is preceded in death by her parents: Harry O. and Lenora Murray Barker, eight siblings Lenora Yeager, Rev. Msgr. Harry Barker, Mildred Broussard, Margaret Broce, Paul Barker, Pat Barker, Joan Edgar and Warren Barker, one grandchild Jonathan Loeffler and a great grandchild Mary Katherine Helsel.
Claire was the third oldest of fourteen children and lived her childhood years in Pineville, Louisiana. She attended Sacred Heart College in Grand Coteau, Louisiana, where she graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in chemistry. She won oratory contests and was named to Who’s Who for her scholastic achievements, leadership and spiritual ideals. Claire had a strong sense of faith and beliefs her entire life and regularly said the rosary. While taking graduate courses during the summer at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, she met the love of her life, Rod, who was enrolled in pharmacy school. Claire and Rod lived in Chicago, Illinois after their marriage on July 30th, 1955 where 5 of their children were born. In 1963 they moved to Phoenix, Arizona, for a warmer climate due to the health of one of their daughters. Claire and Rod have been longstanding parishioners of St. Frances Xavier Parish since 1963. Claire’s proudest achievement were her six beautiful daughters, who carry on her strong and independent personality. Claire taught high school chemistry and American history, as well as led the student council and senior class as faculty representative and was a substitute teacher at St. Frances Xavier Elementary School. Claire was named Arizona Mother of the Year in 1981, for which she was very proud, the culmination of her focus on family. She had a passion for politics reflected in her run for Arizona State Representative in 1982. Claire was an active Girl Scout leader for many years and a strong advocate for Arizona Right to Life. She was an amazing cook and had a love for rummage sales, where she organized one at Xavier where her six girls attended high school.
A Catholic funeral will be held on Saturday, March 23rd, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. at Saint Francis Xavier Parish, 4715 N. Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 22nd, 2024 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018. A recitation of the Holy Rosary will take place during the visitation starting at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the
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Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Friday, March 22, 2024
5:00 - 8:00 pm (Mountain (no DST) time)
Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home
Rosary
Friday, March 22, 2024
6:00 - 7:00 pm (Mountain (no DST) time)
Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home
Mass
Saturday, March 23, 2024
9:00 - 10:00 am (Mountain (no DST) time)
Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church
Guestbook
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