LEA DUFFIN
Lea Duffin, 95, passed away peacefully at her home in Schulenburg surrounded by her loved ones on Saturday, June 15, 2024.
Lea was born in Nelsonville, Texas, on July 21, 1928, to Alvin E. and Tracy K. Bravenec. She was the oldest sister to three brothers, David, Alvin and Gene Bravenec. The family moved to San Antonio, where she graduated from Harlandale High School in June 1945 at 16 years old. She soon married Edward James Duffin on May 26, 1946 at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in San Antonio. While raising their family, Lea and Ed lived in various parts of Texas during their lives, making homes in San Antonio, Victoria, Corpus Christi and Houston, as well as living a short time in West Virginia and Kentucky.
Lea was a beautiful, loving and compassionate Christian woman who devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family. As a young woman she was a member of the Corpus Christi Garden Club and carried her love for gardening throughout her life. Lea was an amazing cook, a talented decorator, an exceptional artist, and an avid reader throughout her life. Lea also had a passion for collecting seashells from around the world, resulting in a sizable and impressive collection. In fact, she discovered a previously unidentified shell and was given credit for her discovery! An intuitive woman, she always knew the right thing to say and offered sound, practical advice to all who sought her counsel. Lea always loved unconditionally, finding her greatest joy in her large, close-knit family. During her life, Lea worked in various fields but her final job prior to retirement was working as the church secretary for St. Maximillian Kolbe Catholic Church in Houston. In 2015, she retired and moved with her daughter, Nancy, from Cypress to a beautiful property in Schulenburg.
Lea is survived by her three younger brothers, David Bravenec, Alvin Bravenec and wife Helen, and Gene Bravenec and wife Lee; her children, James P. Duffin, Nancy Tinsley and Stephen Duffin and wife Cheryl; her grandchildren, Edward Duffin, Mary Paulsen and husband Christopher, Allison Simmons and husband Eric, Katherine Richardson and husband Kent, and Chase Duffin; her great-grandchildren, Zachary Whatley, Madison Paulsen, Claire Paulsen, Elise Calhoun Richardson and Addison Richardson.
Lea was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Tracy Bravenec; husband, Edward Duffin; daughter, Janet Farlow; granddaughter, Julie Farlow; daughter-in-law, Darlene Duffin; and sister-in-law Ora Bravenec.
Services to honor Lea’s life and legacy will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 21, 2024, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Schulenburg. The family will receive friends beginning at 9 a.m. in the church with the parish rosary to be recited at 10 a.m. A graveside service will follow at 3 p.m. in Memorial Oaks Cemetery, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church or Hospice of South Texas.
Schwenke-Baumgarten Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.