HONORING THE DUFFEY FAMILY

The Duffey family has spent decades demonstrating what extraordinary compassion, love, devotion, and joy truly look like. At the heart of their story is their beloved sister, Monica Mary “Cups” Duffey, whose life shaped not only the family she adored and her community but also the values they continue to express and pass on to future generations.

When Monica was born, Tom and Joanne Duffey were told she would never walk or talk. Rather than accepting those limitations, they dedicated themselves to finding a program that could help her reach her full potential. After searching and trying several programs, Sister Kathleen Duffey, OSF convinced them to enroll Monica at St. Coletta at the age of 12, beginning her 52-year journey with St. Coletta.

Monica flourished at St. Coletta. She held a job in Jefferson, participated in countless programs, developed relationships, and developed the joyful spirit that left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures and brought that joy to others. Her life was full of her love of music (specifically vinyl albums), ability to do crossword puzzles without writing a single thing on the page, lavender-scented baths, doing laundry as often as possible for herself and her housemates, swimming and diving for pennies, sweet treats, and everything purple.

She was not defined by limitations, but by growth, connection, and joy.

For the Duffey family, St. Coletta became more than a place where Monica lived and received support, it became a part of their family. Their parents instilled in their children a deep respect for people of all abilities and taught them that serving others was both a responsibility and a privilege. Monica’s differences were never viewed as a burden, but as a blessing that broadened their understanding of compassion and acceptance.

Over the years, several siblings spent summers volunteering on campus, and their mother organized fashion shows and luncheon fundraisers to support St. Coletta’s mission, recruiting the entire family to help. As they grew older, Tom and Joanne reminded their children that they were the next generation of advocates and supporters, and they embraced that responsibility.

Monica remained the heart of the family, and her joyful personality and unique spirit touched countless people. In many ways, the family jokingly says they experienced a certain “celebrity status” because of Monica.

As their own families have grown, the Duffey siblings have intentionally passed these values on to their children and grandchildren. The lessons that their parents and Monica taught them of acceptance, patience, gratitude, and unconditional love continue to influence future generations.

Although Monica passed away in 2024, her legacy lives on through the family she loved and the community she helped create. The Duffey family’s unwavering commitment to St. Coletta reflects a belief that every person deserves dignity, belonging, and the opportunity to live a meaningful life.

It is with great gratitude and excitement that we will honor the Duffey family for their lifelong dedication to St. Coletta of Wisconsin and for the example they continue to set for generations to come.