03/25/2026
Lucy Maria Duke, a resident of New Liskeard, Ontario, passed away on March 19, 2026, at the age of 82. Born in Utrecht (Maartensdijk), Holland, to Adrianus and Wilhelmina (née Van Steenbergen) Dirks, Lucy's life was defined by a bold spirit of adventure and a deep commitment to family and community.
A Life of Adventure and Service
A true entrepreneur, Lucy began her professional journey with KLM Airlines in Holland before joining the family business, Wellington Way Travel, in Markham. In 1975, she and the love of her life, Lawrence (Larry), made a courageous move from Markham to Thornloe, Ontario, to purchase a dairy farm. She embraced the farm life that raised her family and cultivated many enduring friendships within the community.
Lucy's professional legacy is highlighted by her many years as the Chief Business Administrator for 4-H Ontario. Her lifetime of service was recognized with the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal, a testament to her profound contributions to the organization.
Passions and Community
Lucy was a woman of many talents and deep faith. As a lifelong member of the Catholic Women's League (CWL), she was a pillar of her church and a steadfast support to Larry in his role as Deacon. A prolific knitter, sewer, and member of the Temiskaming Quilters Guild, she created beauty with her hands while keeping her mind sharp with technology and finance.
She was a formidable card player and a master of Scrabble and Words with Friends. Often the life of the party—likely with a glass of Pinot Grigio in hand—she cherished laughter and the company of close friends. Whether she was cruising, wintering in Florida, or participating in the LABO Japanese exchange program, Lucy embraced the world. However, she was always happiest near the water, enjoying boat rides and time with Larry at their trailer on the lake.
Family and Heritage
Above all, Lucy was a proud "Oma" who spoiled her eight grandchildren and worked tirelessly to share her Dutch heritage with her family.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, Larry Duke, and her sister, Anne (Ronald) Bailey. She leaves behind a lasting legacy through her children: Christopher (Elise Robitaille), Andrea (Hugh Hamilton), and Matthew (Nicki) Duke.
Her memory will be cherished by her grandchildren: Emma (fiancé Jesse), Jacob, Isabelle, Alexander (Makinley), Erica, Andrew, Justin (keyla) , and Claudia (fiancé Eric). Lucy also loved her nieces and nephews—David (Susan) Bailey, Ian (Sarah) Logan, Robert (Sue) Logan, Jennifer Bailey (Dave Baerg), and Jodi (Michael) Harker—as her own. She was predeceased by her parents and her sister, Elisabeth (William) Logan.
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Service Information
The funeral ceremony will be held at:
● Location: Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church, New Liskeard, ON
● Date: Friday, April 10, 2026
● Time: 11:00 AM
Appreciation and Donations
The family extends a heartfelt thank-you to the staff at the Temiskaming Lodge for making her final year so joyful, and to the staff at Temiskaming Hospital for their kindness and compassion in her final hours. Special thanks to Dr. Glen Corneil for his many years of faithful care.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Our Mother of Perpetual Help CWL in New Liskeard.
Mrs Duke's care has been entrusted to Buffam Leveille Funeral Home. Tributes and condolences may be left at www.buffamleveille.com