Celia E. Duke

Wellsville, NY - Celia E. Duke, 88, of 244 N. Main Street died on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at the Wellsville Manor Care Center following a long illness. She was born July 19, 1921 in Belmont the daughter of Louis and Jennie (Presutti) Jordan. On May 2, 1944 in St. Louis, MO she married Douglas E. Duke who predeceased her on December 8, 2008.

Celia was first employed as a legal secretary for Attorney Norman Fitzer in Wellsville and during WW II she was employed at Worthington Corporation in Wellsville. In 1962 she returned to Worthington Corporation as an executive secretary until her retirement. She was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church and a former member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. She had a true love of nature and wildlife; especially wild birds. She supported her boys and their friends in their many birding adventures. She enjoyed playing Bridge, reading and was an avid Boston Redsox and Cleveland Browns fan. She also had a wonderful memory for sport trivia.

She is survived by two sons, Oak (Susan) Duke IV and Alan Duke both of Wellsville, four grandchildren, Oak Duke V, Ethan Duke, Alana Duke, Cameron Duke, a great granddaughter, Ava Grace Duke and two step granddaughters, Sarah Harris and Kathryn Moxley as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and a special friend Valerie Vreeland of Wellsville. She was predeceased by her father who was born in Forino, Italy and whose name was Luigi Giordano before coming to America; her mother who was born in Bugnara, Italy and whose name was Jemma Giovannina before coming to America; five brothers, Joseph, Louis, Max, John and James Jordan and three sisters, Josephine Serio and Amelia and Marian Jordan.

Friends are invited to a graveside service on Saturday, January 2, 2009 at 1:00 pm in Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellsville with Pastor Dick Helms presiding. There will be no prior visitation. Memorial suggestions include the David A. Howe Public Library or any charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements are under the direction of the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville.