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COVID-19 Archive

Images and Stories from Vermont

Olivia Jean (Cruickshank) Duffy, 66, Essex

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Title

Olivia Jean (Cruickshank) Duffy, 66, Essex

Description

ESSEX – Olivia Jean (Cruickshank) Duffy, age 66, passed away on Friday, March 27th, 2020 after a four year battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and ultimately succumbed to a brief yet heroic battle with pneumonia caused by the Coronavirus COVID-19.

She is predeceased by her parents, John and Olivia Cruickshank, sisters Joyce Robair formerly of Burlington, VT and Roberta Boiselle formerly of Boscawen, NH.

She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Lawrence Duffy of Essex Junction; daughter and son-in-law, Tammy and Christopher Langlois of Fletcher; granddaughters, Ashley, Ekaterina and Samantha; great granddaughter, Kinsley; her siblings, Fran and Dan Prouty of Summerfield, FL, Peggy Couture of The Villages, FL, Kathy and Gareth Fox of Williston, Donna and Scott Moody of Burlington, George and Harriett Cruickshank of Essex Jct., Richard and Karen Cruickshank of Colchester, Donna and Raymond Magnant of Enosburg Falls, Patricia and Stewart Hammond of Montgomery, Joan and David Magnant of Essex Jct. and James Duffy of Barre; as well as several nieces and nephews and many good friends.

Olivia was born in Burlington, Vermont on February 28th, 1954 to John and Olivia (Blow) Cruickshank.

Known to most as "Livvy", she worked jobs with Dynastar, Ladd Medical, Vermont Semiconductor and made a final home with Bio-Tek in Winooski where she worked for over 20 years. She made many good friends at Bio-Tek and enjoyed going with them on trips to concerts, to the ocean and to the casino in Montreal.

Livvy retired in 2014 and with her husband, Larry, purchased a home in Florida hoping to enjoy the beautiful sunny days. Shortly thereafter, she began showing symptoms of what was later diagnosed as Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). As the disease progressed, it became evident that being closer to family was necessary and they moved back to Vermont in October 2019 where she was able to enjoy Thanksgiving, Christmas and her birthday with her loved ones prior to recent events.

Her talents were many…from sewing clothes, uniforms, and doll clothes for her daughter and eventually her grandchildren, to reupholstering family rockers and chairs…she really could do it all. She so enjoyed spending time with her family, just sitting around and talking about family times as they were growing up. She enjoyed playing golf, going to the casinos, and taking long rides to just about anywhere. She traveled throughout the country and even to France in 2002 for a special anniversary trip with her husband, but she was especially fond of the trips through the west, loving the wide, open spaces. What she valued most beyond her loving husband, were her daughter, Tammy and son-in-law, Chris and their daughters, Ashley, Ekaterina and Samantha and most recently a great-granddaughter, Kinsley. For her, family was the most important thing. Beyond that, she was a silent warrior of strength, overcoming any adversity and challenge that she encountered with grace; attributes that did not go unnoticed, especially by her daughter who will continue to cultivate these in her children and grandchildren to honor her.

In lieu of flowers, her wishes are that all people do what is necessary to “flatten the curve” and do their part to eradicate the Coronavirus COVID-19 so we can end the suffering of so many, and to always be kind and grateful to all those out on the front lines of this pandemic. They are working so you can stay safe.

The family would like to especially recognize the entire team of doctors and nurses, receptionists, etc. from UVM Medical Center, McClure 6 who served as Livvy’s surrogate family during her final days as she was in quarantine for the Coronavirus. Not only are we, Livvy’s family, forever indebted to you for your unwavering professionalism, bravery, and kindness in the face of unprecedented and uncertain times, the entire state and nation is. You will always be our heroes.

There will be no visiting hours, per Livvy’s request. A family graveside service in Enosburg Falls will commence at a later date.

Creator

Burlington Free Press

Publisher

Burlington Free Press

Date

March 29, 2020

Contributor

Fred Pond

Spatial Coverage

Collection

Citation

Burlington Free Press, “Olivia Jean (Cruickshank) Duffy, 66, Essex,” COVID-19 Archive, accessed March 28, 2024, https://covid-19.digitalvermont.org/items/show/344.