Vale Duffy Obituary, Death – The community of Newman College would like to express their sincerest sympathies to Paul, Fraser, and Mitchell for the death of their much-loved wife and mother, who died away on May 28 at St. John of God Hospital in Subiaco. Paul was her husband. Fraser and Mitchell were her sons. The Newman College community will always remember Jo for the vital role she played in contributing to the school.
Jo was involved in a wide variety of Newman College events and activities over a period of twenty years. Both of Jo’s children attended Newman from kindergarten through twelfth grade. The dedication that Jo showed to the arts department at Newman College will live on in cherished remembrance. She participated actively in the Newman College Art Expo Committee for a number of years, during which time she also served as the committee chair and was responsible for the exhibition’s curation.
She contributed countless hours to the College production set design and painting teams, helping to establish a healthy environment for productive collaboration between faculty, students, and parents. Jo was an important contributor to all of the sporting activities that were held by the College and the Newman Sports Association. Jo was a member of the Marist Football Club, Newman Breakers Water Polo Club, and Newman College 1st XVIII Football Team, and she served as the ‘unofficial’ team photographer for all three organizations.
She was a fervent supporter of her boys, but she always made time to make sure that every player got a chance to shine in the spotlight. In everything that she did, Jo exemplified the Family Spirit quality that is associated with the Marist order. Through her unwavering dedication to the welfare of our neighborhood, she has permanently imprinted Newman College with her presence.
