1936 – 2025
Marie Duane, of Woodstock, New York died in the comfort of her home, while her two daughters held her hands, on November 26, 2025
Marie was a loving wife, proud and devoted mother, insatiable reader, speedy knitter, adventurous chef, expert gardener and many were fortunate to call her friend. Marie is survived by her children, Kirsten (Duane) Rankins and her husband Tim; Kassandra Duane, and step-son Martino Duane. Survivors also include her grandson, Tyler Patton; two brothers, one great-grandson, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends so loved as to be considered family. Marie was predeceased by her husband, Allan Duane, in 2021.
Marie was born in New Zealand and remained a proud citizen of her birth country throughout her life. Her life was an adventure Marie tackled with bravery and grace. She and her husband lived in Rome, Thessaloniki, Kingston, Cyprus, Spain, Mexico, and France, before calling Woodstock home for the last 25+ years.
A lifetime learner Marie was an artistic creator with her hands: Countless handknit baby blankets for those she adored and their children; she designed and sewed vestments proudly worn in St Gregory’s, along with cushions and origami cranes. She learned the art of mosaic and contributed the tip of her finger and countless hours to creating to two 6 foot mosaic panels for the church. As a co-founder of the Young Artist program, she brought music to the community for more than a decade.
Marie could plant a pencil and it would grow. Her garden is a stunning example of design and native planting. She improved countless gardens all over Woodstock with a team of dear friends.
Her collection of cookbooks hardly do justice to the joy she received making meals for her friends and family. Ever the perfectionist, food didn’t taste good to Marie until it tasted good to other people.
Marie had a wicked sense of humor, she could be quite bawdy, and yet not once in her life uttered the swear word beginning with the letter “f”. She was graceful, beautiful, kind, funny and will be dearly missed.
Marie’s generous spirit continues as she made an anatomical gift to the Albany Medical Center Anatomical Program.
If desired, donations in honor of Marie’s memory, can be made to St Gregory’s Episcopal Church P.O. Box 99 Woodstock, NY, 12498; https://www.stgregoryswoodstock.com/donate.
Marie will be remembered at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church on December 7th during the Sunday service.
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