ALBANY – Maureen Duncan, 56, of Albany, passed away on Friday, January 24, 2020 after a long illness, surrounded by her loving family. Maureen was born in Albany, and was a lifelong resident. After losing her vision at the age of 24 Maureen began a new path in her life. She went back to school at Hudson Valley Community College earning an Associate’s Degree, and then went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Human Services at the State University of New York at Albany. After finishing school she became employed at the Northeastern Association of the Blind, as their Intake and Referral Specialist. She assisted individuals seeking information and services that NABA provided. For the last 13 years she was employed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services as a Children and Family Specialist. In this position, Maureen provided services to NYS consumers who were legally blind.
As a youth, Maureen loved playing softball at Westland Hills Little League in Albany. As an adult she enjoyed all kinds of music, vacationing in Maine, cooking and watching cooking shows, exercise, and dining out with family and friends, especially with her good friend “Murph.” She practiced a holistic lifestyle to improve her health and create balance in her life.
Despite losing her vision as a young adult, Maureen continued on with her education and career, and made significant contributions to our world. She served as an example to all people with vision loss.
Maureen is survived by her parents James J. Duncan and Matilda Tarzia Duncan; her brothers Brian Duncan (Kathie) and Sean Duncan (Kathryn); her sisters Anna Hale (Charles) and Christina Duncan; her nieces and nephews Christopher Duncan, Andrew Wayand, Philip Duncan, Kacey Duncan, and Ryan Hale, who is also her Godson; and by several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the 6th floor at St. Peter’s Hospital for the excellent and compassionate care they provided to Maureen.
Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Friday morning at 9:00 a.m., and from there to Christ the King Church, Sumter Ave, Guilderland at 10:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Thursday from 4-7 p.m. The parish family of Christ the King Church will gather in the funeral home at 4:30 pm Thursday for a service of prayer and remembrance. All are welcome. Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com . In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to one of the following organizations: Floyd Warriors at floydwarriors.com, To Life at Tolife.org, Northeastern Association of the Blind at naba-vision.org, or the Breast Cancer Research Foundation at bcrf.org.
Amy Carreno
I had the good fortune to become friends with Maureen over the years, even though we only saw each other a few times a year when traveling to Albany from the Syracuse office. She was a spirited, fun and caring person, who will be greatly missed in this world.
My condolences to her family and other friends.
Roccatel Mottolese
To Family, I am sadden to hear of the passing of Maureen. We were schoolmates at AHN, and I will always remember that great big smile of hers. Prayers and thoughts are with you.
Roccatel (Rocky) Mottolese