Colleen Marie Duffy, 76, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2026, surrounded by her family. Born June 8, 1950, to John and Joan McGinnis, she grew up in Ohio and Wisconsin alongside her four siblings: Mary Jo, Patty, Peggy, and Joe.
Colleen graduated from Brecksville High School in Brecksville, Ohio, and earned her nursing degree from Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. She devoted her life to caring for others, first as a nurse at the VA Medical Center in Milwaukee for 22 years, and then for more than 15 years in long-term care before retiring. Alongside her nursing career, Colleen was an independent beauty consultant with Mary Kay Cosmetics for more than 40 years, building many beautiful friendships along the way.
In 1972, Colleen married Stephen Duffy, and together they raised three children: Sean, Patrick, and Brigid. Family and faith were the cornerstones of her life. A devout Catholic, she was active in her church community for many years, generously giving her time as a volunteer and participating in Bible study.
Colleen found joy in life’s simple pleasures, traveling, baking, shopping, reading, and animals. Most of all, she loved people. She had a gift for making friends wherever she went, and she left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Colleen is survived by her beloved husband of 54 years, Stephen Duffy; her children, Sean Duffy (Andrea), Patrick Duffy, and Brigid Duffy (Brent); her five grandsons, Brittain, Conner, Dylan, Ryan, and Blaise; her sisters, Patty McGinnis-Brown (Bill) and Peggy Simon (Mark); her brother, Joe McGinnis (Shelly); as well as many other cherished family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Joan McGinnis, and her sister and her husband, Mary Jo and Al Lunder.
Colleen will be remembered for her caring heart, unwavering faith, devotion to family, and the many friendships she made throughout her life. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Church of the Ascension in Overland Park, Kansas, in Colleen’s memory.
Memorial service details will be announced once arrangements have been finalized.
Obituary published by Cremation Society of Kansas & Missouri.
