Obituary of Mavis J. McDuffee

Mavis J. "Skip" McDuffee, 84, of Waverly, NY, passed away Wednesday, August 23, 2017, at the Robert Packer Hospital with her loving family by her side.

She was born on December 15, 1932 in Apalachin, NY, the daughter of the late Uriah John and Viola (Titus) Short.

Skip was employed as an Operator with Bell Telephone in Owego for many years. During the Apalachin Mob Raids in the 50's, she was the only operator allowed to be present in the room to run the switchboard, fielding all calls for the G-men during the operation. Skip left her job with the phone company to become a stay at home wife and mom. She was a dedicated wife and mother who cherished her children above all else, and made many sacrifices to ensure that their lives were made easier. She lived her life by example and always placed everyone else above herself. She was a loving grandmother who always followed and encouraged her grandchildren in all of their events and activities. She was Commissioner of the family football pool, monitoring all to be sure everyone had their picks in on time. Skip loved bird watching, puzzle books, and latch-hooking. She was a coupon clipper, and enjoyed watching the fireworks next door.

A woman who lived during the depression and times of war, she still always kept a positive outlook about life and people. When her brother, Ray, was killed in the Korean War, it was one of the lowest points of her life but she still remained positive, sweet, kind, and caring to all those around her. She always looked for and believed in the best in people and never had a harsh word for anyone.

She was predeceased by her husband, Jack, and brothers, Mick, Mel, Phil, and Ray.

Mavis is survived by her beloved children, Chris and Karla McDuffee, Brock and Robin McDuffee, and Kyle and Terri McDuffee, grandchildren, Taylor, Meghan, Chad, Amber, Kobie, and Ashlyn, great-granddaughter, Hailey, siblings Ollie Short, Vonnie Pollard, and Dale Short, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. The family is being assisted by Jay E. Lowery Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Athens, PA.

Donations may be made in Mavis' memory to the Waverly Baseball Club, C/O Kyle McDuffee, 22 Lyman Ave., Waverly, NY 14892, or any No-Kill Animal Shelter of your choice.