Nancy S. (Slicher) Duffy, affectionately known as “Nancy Dee,” 84, passed away peacefully at home in her sleep Sunday, July 12, 2026. She was born Aug. 23, 1941, in Baltimore, Md., to the late James P. Slicher and Nancy D. (DeCourt) Slicher.

Nancy graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, Md., with a bachelor of science degree in education. She married the love of her life, Martin F. Duffy, and began a career in education before retiring early to devote herself to raising her children. Nancy’s greatest joy was her family. She treasured visiting with family and friends, and especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, most of whom now live in the area. Nancy also cherished the lifelong friendships she had built over the years, many of whom eventually retired to the beach as well.

Nancy was a phenomenally gifted artist and creative spirit. She expressed her creativity in countless ways, including painting, jewelry making, and crafting. Over the years, she participated in numerous art shows, craft shows, and expos, sharing her beautiful work with others. Her watercolor paintings remain a lasting reflection of Nancy's remarkable talent and are still available for purchase.

For Nancy, summers at the beach were about simple pleasures and the people she loved. Spending summer days at the beach with the “ole gang” on Rodney Street was a tradition she treasured for many years. Another highlight of her summers was an evening at the Rusty Rudder listening to “The Hubcaps” play all her favorite oldies. Nancy loved singing along, laughing and enjoying those evenings surrounded by family and friends.

Nancy will be remembered for her creativity, her warmth, her laughter, her lifelong friendships, and most of all, the love she gave so freely to her family.

Nancy is survived by her daughter, Maureen Ann Duffy and her spouse Michael B. Duncan of Lewes; her son, Michael J. Duffy, and his wife Blythe R. Duffy of Newark; and her three grandchildren, Megan K. Harns of Lewes, Katie M. Van Ness and her husband Michael Van Ness of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Paige Duffy of Newark. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Aubree Fernstermaker, and Ava and Remy Reed, all of Lewes; and her beloved grand-dogs, Gidget and Luna of Lewes.

In addition to her parents, Nancy was predeceased by her husband, Martin F. Duffy, in 2015, and her daughter, Susan L. Duffy, in 2012.

A Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 29, at St. Edmond Catholic Church, 409 King Charles Ave., Rehoboth Beach. Family and friends may visit from 10 to 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nancy’s memory to Renee’s Rescues Inc., P.O. Box 1297, Hockessin, DE, reneesrescues.org/donations. If paying by check, write “In honor of Nancy Duffy” in the memo line. For online donations, include the same wording in the “Notes” section.

Nancy Dee lived a life filled with family, friendship, creativity, music, laughter and love. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Visit Nancy's Life Memorial at parsellfuneralhomes.com.