Obituary: Marie E. (Mataway) Duesing, 86

Marie E. (Mataway) Duesing, 86, passed away peacefully on August 13, at Philip Hulitar Inpatient Center in Providence with her devoted son Gregory Mackenzie Gifford by her side. Marie is also survived by her granddaughters Mackenzie Ann Gifford of Philadelphia, Pa., and Riley Elizabeth Gifford of San Mateo, Calif. Marie also leaves behind a large extended family of cousins and many longtime friends in Rhode Island and Ft. Pierce, Fla.

Marie was the only child of Ira and Marie Mackenzie of Rhode Island where her father was a funeral director of Mackenzie Funeral Home. She was a graduate of Classical High School and Brown University. She majored in psychology and was a teacher before marrying Delbert Gifford. After Delbert’s untimely death, Marie ran the family business Gifford Chemical until deciding to sell the business. Her focus then turned to Gregory and her many volunteer activities with Arthur Trudeau Center, Meals on Wheels, Visiting Nurses Association and Cub Scouts.