Regina V. Duffy

Age 94, of Elmira, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2026. Regina was born in Elmira, NY to the late Joseph and Sophia Rutzke. She was predeceased by her husband, John, to whom she was married for 59 years, and her beloved daughter, Susan LeClair. She was also predeceased by her siblings Bernard Rutzke and Sister Rita Rutzke, SSJ.

Regina was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who will be dearly missed by all whose lives she touched. She is survived by her children, James (Dorothy), Joseph (Theresa), Thomas (Kristen), Patricia Santulli (Thomas), Deborah Grasso (Gerry), John (Gretchen), Son-in-law Larry LeClair; 12 grandchildren: Amanda Passanisi, Bryan, Timothy and Scott Duffy, Kevin and Patrick Duffy, Mallory Duffy, Jennifer Talavera, Christopher and Kathleen Grasso, Michelle Noonan, Michael LeClair, Ryan and Erin Vanderpool; 13 great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is also survived by her sister, Dorothy Bellinger (John) with whom she shared a very close bond.

Regina was very proud of her nursing career. She graduated from Saint Joseph's Nursing School in 1952 and worked at Saint Joseph's Hospital for 17 years. She also worked as plant nurse for the A & P plant in Horseheads, NY for several years. She finalized her nursing career by working for Doctor James Gray for many years. Regina was also the neighborhood nurse for the many families who lived on Irvine Place who called on her in times of need.

Regina was a devout Catholic and life-long communicant of Saint Casimir's Church. She attended St. Casimir's grammar school and Catholic High School.

The family would like to thank the caregivers who gave her excellent care at home for a numbers of years and the staff of the Chemung County Nursing Facility who cared for her in her final months.

Family and friends are invited to call from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 26th at McInerney Funeral Home. A prayer service will be held there Wednesday, May 27th, at 9 a.m. followed by her Mass of Christian burial at St. Patrick's Church at 10 a.m.

Those wishing may remember Regina by donating to The Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish or Meals on Wheels (envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church).