Eileen M. (Nelson) Duffy, a longtime resident of Reading, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2021 at the age of 89.

Beloved wife of over fifty years to the late Joseph G. Duffy. Devoted mother of Paul F. Duffy and his wife Yang Sun of Reading, Brian N. Duffy of Chelsea, Nancy E. Gupta and her husband Dev of Reading, David J. Duffy and his wife Michelle of Bradford, NH, Jennifer A. Gramzow and her husband William of Shapleigh, ME, Melissa A. Borden and her husband Dell of Kennebunk, ME, Andrew J. Duffy and his wife Lori of Wareham, Matthew S. Duffy and his wife Erika of Reading, Stephen B. Duffy and his wife Kathleen of N. Andover, and Amy R. Duffy of Wakefield.  Cherished sister of Neal Nelson of NY, Linda Angell of Bradford, the late Paul Nelson and Shirley Crawford.  Loving grandmother of 20 and great grandmother of 6.  Eileen is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Eileen was born in Boston, Massachusetts on June 17, 1931 the daughter of Anthony and Doris (Neal) Nelson.  Eileen was raised in Dorchester and South Boston and lived for many years in Winchester.  She worked as a secretary for Robert H. Smith Insurance Agency in Boston. She was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses. In her later years she enjoyed gardening, feeding birds, and telling stories of times past while enjoying a cup of tea.  She was an avid writer of cards to family and friends.   Eileen took strength from remaining independent at her Summer Avenue home and certainly cherished a life well-lived.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at the Douglass, Edgerley and Bessom Funeral Home 25 Sanborn St. (corner of Woburn St.) from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  Eileen's funeral and burial will be private.