Susan "Ellis" Duffy Bonnel

Ellis Duffy. Growing up in Lynbrook, Long Island, NY, and Essex Fells, NJ, she earned four superlatives in high school, including “Best Personality” and “Best Dancer,” and boy did she love to dance! While raising her four children, she worked hard and went to school in the evenings, earning a master’s degree in psychology.

It’s hard to put into words what mom meant to all of us, so we are borrowing from her grandchildren: She was steadfast and strong. Someone we all looked to and who shaped each of us into who we are today. She showed up for her family and was our loudest cheerleader at all the sporting events (especially Hockey!); you could always hear her bike horn! She made us laugh. She was there with us for a good cry. She was beautiful inside and out. She was so musically inclined; she played piano beautifully by ear and loved a good party where she could dance. She will forever be our cheerleader.

Mom was one of seven siblings: Jayne Bowman (deceased), Judy Carroll of N.Falmouth, MA, Rick Duffy of Maynard, MA, Chris Duffy of Surprise, AZ, Mike Duffy of Plymouth, MA, and Lisa McNamara of Naples, FL.

She is survived by her children, Gordon Bonnel (Colleen) of Mechanicsville, MD, Kelly Bennett (Ken) of Hollywood, MD, Shawn Bonnel of Hollywood, MD, and Joanna Richie (Jason) of Corolla, NC. Grandchildren: Heather Kantor, Brittany Phelan, Joanna Bennett, Shannon Summers, Gordon Bonnel III, Cullen Bonnel, Callie Forsythe, Sophia Davis, Brennan Richie, and Margeux Richie, and 11 great-grandchildren with three more on the way.

Funeral services will be private. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com.

Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.