Dorothy Duff

May 12, 1929 - May 8, 2017

87, El Centro

Dorothy Claudine Torrence Duff was an incredibly beautiful, artistic, accomplished, and altruistic woman. Born in El Centro, California and raised in Heber with her older sister Helen, Claudine was always a sweet child.

She went to college later in life, inspiring many to do the same, and earned an Associate’s Degree from Imperial Valley College and a Bachelor’s in Art from UC San Diego where she became “Alumni of the Year.” Her artistic mediums included ceramics, sculpture, painting, drawing, jewelry making, and stained glass. She was a member of five boards supporting art, and she was commissioned by SDSU to create a “Rock Wall Sculpture.”

Claudine not only excelled in arts & humanities, but also in science & technology. After twelve flying lessons in 1958, she flew solo and earned a 2nd Place trophy for “Spot Landing.” She loved travel, and Spain was her favorite destination. She believed travel was an important type of education. Claudine was a member of six boards that supported education, ranging from pre-k to college, as well as several anti-drug education efforts.

Claudine’s support of her community extended from youth to seniors. She advocated for seniors on an outstanding eight boards. For youth, she was a member of the Board of Charlee Homes, fostered two children, adopted our adored John Lizarraga, and was a 4-H Leader. Claudine was an animal lover too and had many dogs and birds.

Claudine was an exceptional homemaker. Staple menu items included: hominy casserole, tamale pie, peach pie, and popcorn balls! She put together a cookbook for us all to continue the culinary legacy. In her spare time, Claudine was a game enthusiast; her favorites were Solitaire, Bridge, Jeopardy, and crossword puzzles.

For her last career, Claudine was the Imperial Valley Housing Authority Deputy Director. Before this, she co-owned Valley Steam Laundry. For 70 years, Claudine & Jack worked, volunteered, went to college, and built a house together. Jack loved Claudine at first sight, so he gave up his prized DeSoto to earn that lucky first date!

True to herself, Claudine used her last 5 months in the best ways: she had an anniversary-reunion party, a vow renewal, and published “My Book: Never A Dull Moment.” Claudine’s best achievement was raising “five good kids.” She is survived by her husband, Jack Duff, and their kids and spouses: Kathy (Duff) and Bobby DeVoy, John and Rosemary Duff, Tory and Candy Duff, Pat and Cheryl Duff, and John and Lynn Lizarraga; plus 55 grandkids, great grandkids, and great-great grandkids.

An active church-goer and believer of “Thoughts are things,” she was a member of the Imperial Valley Church of Religious Science for 25 years then the Unity Church of El Cajon for 18 years where we will have the “Celebration of Life” on June 4, 2017 at noon: 311 Highland Avenue, El Cajon, CA 92020.

Though Claudine’s body rests, her spirit persists through art, stories, and the countless ways she served youth, adults, and seniors. Like her favorite show, “Wheel of Fortune,” she was the linchpin keeping the Duff family going around, reuniting, celebrating, filling in missing pieces, and moving forward. We were fortunate to have Claudine as our mother, grandmother, wife, colleague, advocate, and beloved friend.

Obituary Written By Marina Hatfield, Granddaughter.