Viola “Vi” May Duffy, age 88, of Opportunity, MT, passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2019. She was at her home with family by her side.
Vi was born to Edward and Alice Mercer on August 17, 1930 in Deer Lodge, MT and was raised in Opportunity, MT. She went to school to become a Beautician and continued on to open Vi’s Beauty Shop. Vi also worked at the Galen State Hospital as a beautician for 10 years.
Vi married the love of her life, George J. Niland Sr., on June 21, 1947. Together they had 4 children. George and Vi were married until his untimely death at the age of 35. She went on to marry Phillip Duffy in 1962. Vi and Phillip were married until he passed in 2000.
Vi’s favorite pastimes included gardening, fishing, bowling and her pet, Sadie. She was also a member of Saint Pete’s Catholic Church in Anaconda.
Vi was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, George J. Niland Sr., her daughters, Linda Potvin and Bonnie Staudahar, her son, Russell Niland, her second husband, Phillip Duffy, and her brothers, Richard Mercer and Robert Mercer.
Vi is survived by her son, George (Laurie) Niland of Anaconda, MT, step-son, David (Sheryl) Duffy of Helena, her grandchildren, Shannon Niland of Glendive, George (Jessi) Niland of Texas, Brian (Bekah) Niland of Anaconda, Richard (Dawn) Potvin of Anaconda, Tracy Potvin of Butte, Joseph Staudahor of Butte, JJ Potvin of Anaconda, Jessica (Chris) Hietela of Missoula, Russell Niland of San Diego, Ca, numerous great grandchildren, her sister-in-law, Madelyn Mercer, daughter-in-law Karen Niland, son-in-law Jim Potvin, and Joe Staudahor.
Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23rd at Holy Family Catholic Church, 217 Pennsylvania Ave in Anaconda. A Vigil service will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the church. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 24th at Holy Family Catholic Church with Rite of Committal to follow at Lower Hill Cemetery. In honor of Viola, memorials are encouraged to the Lady of the Rockies or to Hospice of Butte. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Viola.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Viola and her family.
Service Schedule
Visitation
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday July 23, 2019
Holy Family Catholic Church
217 Pennsylvania Ave.
Anaconda, Montana 59711
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Tuesday July 23, 2019
Holy Family Catholic Church
217 Pennsylvania Ave.
Ananconda, Montana 59711
Funeral Mass
10:30 a.m.
Wednesday July 24, 2019
Holy Family Catholic Church
217 Pennsylvania Ave.
Anaconda, Montana 59711
Rite of Committal
Following Mass
Wednesday July 24, 2019
To be announced
Anaconda , Montana 59711
Service Schedule
Visitation
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday July 23, 2019
Holy Family Catholic Church
217 Pennsylvania Ave.
Anaconda, Montana 59711
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Tuesday July 23, 2019
Holy Family Catholic Church
217 Pennsylvania Ave.
Ananconda, Montana 59711
Funeral Mass
10:30 a.m.
Wednesday July 24, 2019
Holy Family Catholic Church
217 Pennsylvania Ave.
Anaconda, Montana 59711
Rite of Committal
Following Mass
Wednesday July 24, 2019
To be announced
Anaconda , Montana 59711
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Ann F. Cor says
My sympathy to all of you. What a strong woman. Vi’s Beauty Shop has left us all with memories. Even though I have been gone from Opportunity for over four decades my heart still is there with all of you whom are living or passed. Your Mom was so good to mine. May you all know your Mom was a good lady at heart.
Ann (Chor) Cor, University Place, WA
Emily Tauscher Kiefer, Billings MT says
Vi Niland Duffy was a very special friend of my mother Betty Tauscher before she passed from a car accident in July 1965. Her three daughters Emily, Cindy, and Nancy visited Vi’s Shop to have their hair cut, etc. Vi often visited Gil’s Cafe & Mobil Service for some of my Dad’s home baked pie; one time dad used salt instead of sugar for some raisin pie, which was not discovered until we kids came home from school. Emily was instructed to call and apologize for the ‘mistake’ , and Vi was invited to come sample the next rendition of Gil’s cooking, with the correct seasoning, I might add!! We were all instructed to taste before using either salt or sugar for ANY cooking ‘experiment’!!
Best wishes to the family of Vi Duffy upon her passing. I’m sure she is in heaven visiting with all her former friends, having a gay old time laughing and carrying on!!