Elaine Hagarty Duggan, family built Starboard

Elaine Hagarty Duggan, 83, passed from this life in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2018.  Elaine was well known in many circles.  Some knew her as a longtime employee of Hercules and its affiliated companies, as part of the family that built the Starboard, or as a parishioner and frequent volunteer at Saint Anthony of Padua RC church.

Elaine was preceded in death by two beloved siblings, her sister Margaret “Peggy Ann” Filliben and her brother Ambrose “Bud” Hagarty; sister-in-law Bienvenida Segara Hagarty; brother-in-law Paul McLaughlin; and former husband, Francis J. “Duke” Duggan.  She is survived by her brother Edward (Brenda) Hagarty; sister-in-law Mary Duggan McLaughlin; brother-in-law John Filliben; cousin Patricia (Wayne) Reid; her son Mike, and daughter-in-law Kim; two beloved grandchildren, Wil and Kate; a bountiful family of nieces and nephews, who always brought delight to her life; and countless friends, many of whom were lifelong from childhood and frequent traveling companions.

Elaine was raised in Wilmington and Elsmere, and lived in many places, including Claymont, Yeadon, Pa., Dewey Beach, Lantana, Fla., and Newport.  She was a previous resident at the Antonian.  Her last years were spent at Kentmere in the kind care of the nurses and staff, who always had a happy comment or a bit of friendly banter to brighten her growing darkness.

According to her wishes her remains have been donated to science.  A memorial Mass will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 9th and DuPont streets, Wilmington Friday, Nov. 30, at 11 a.m., where friends are family are invited to visitation after 10 a.m.  It would have pleased her to ask that in lieu of flowers, anyone who would like to remember her in the form of a gift consider a contribution to research for dementia in all its forms.  Arrangements by Mealey Funeral Homes.