Sarah “Sally” McMahon Duffy

Sarah Duffy, 88, of Washington, PA, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2024, in the comfort of her family.  She was the beloved wife of James W. (Jim) Duffy (deceased).

Sarah was born on May 19, 1936, in Wheeling, WV, to Bill (Mac) and Kathryn Winterhalter McMahon.  She loved growing up in Crafton, PA, with her brother, Bill, and sisters, Nancy and Kay.  She attended church and elementary school at St. Philip Catholic Church and was a graduate of Crafton High School where she met her good friend’s brother and future husband, Jim Duffy.  Their first date was to see the movie “A Tender Trap” and they celebrated a “first date anniversary” every year by planning a special evening out.   

Sarah & Jim were married on June 7, 1958, at St. Philip Catholic Church and soon after settled in Washington, PA.  They were blessed with 56 wonderful years of marriage and Sarah frequently said that her happiest years were raising her four children.  Her Catholic faith was central to her life, and she was a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Washington for 65 years.

Sarah loved the outdoors, gardening, taking walks, and spending time with her family. She was also an avid volunteer.  She always stepped in with gusto when she felt change was needed or necessary.  She taught Great Books and CCD when her children were young, was President of the Washington Greene County Drug & Alcohol Prevention Board, delivered meals for Meals on Wheels, and served as a member of Symphony South.  She loved exploring various art mediums with her young children and painted for many years with the McMurray Art League.  She also worked at J&L Steel and for several Washington area banks before earning her real estate license.  She spent many years with York Realty and Coldwell Banker and loved her work as a realtor for its challenges and the people she met.  Sarah was always curious and eager to learn. Jim used to say that her favorite question was “why?” and that she asked it often; he always said that she had a need to understand.

Sarah is survived by her children, Jim (Linda) Duffy, Laura Holsinger, Kathy (Tom) Kehner, and Dan Duffy (Karl Casey); her grandchildren, Stephen (Kristen) Kehner, Emily Kehner, Brian (Hayley) Kehner, and Jack Holsinger; and her great grandsons, Theo and Cam Kehner.  Her beloved brother, Bill (Dr. McMahon), and his wife, Nora, are both deceased, and Sarah is survived by two dearly loved sisters, Nancy (Jack, deceased) Henne, Kay (Mike) O’Donnell, and many nieces and nephews whom she loved.

On Saturday, June 1, 2024, Sarah’s Committal Service will be held at 11:00am in the Chapel at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Canonsburg, PA.  Sarah’s family will lead a Rosary at 12:00pm at Immaculate Conception Church in Washington, immediately followed by a Memorial Mass at 12:30pm.  A luncheon reception will follow the Mass.

Please note that Warco-Falvo Funeral Home and Immaculate Conception Church are unable to accept flower arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes can be made in the form of a charitable donation to Catholic Charities, the Arthritis Foundation, or the McMurray Art League. Condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com.