Eileen B. Duffy, 81, Was Oak Bluffs Summer Visitor

Eileen Barry Duffy of Cranston, R.I and a longtime Oak Bluffs summer resident, died April 2 in Cranston. She was 81 years old.

Born in Providence, R.I., she was the daughter of the late Thomas B. and Elizabeth (Finn) Barry. She was the wife of the late James F. Duffy Jr.

She was a communicant of St. Paul's Church, Cranston and Our Lady of the Sea, Oak Bluffs.

She was a graduate of St. Paul's School, Cranston, Cranston High School and the former Rhode Island College of Education, now Rhode Island College (RIC). She also received a master's degree in music education from that institution. She taught elementary school in Cranston and West Warwick, R.I. before being appointed assistant professor of education at RIC. She was an elementary school teacher and choral director in the Cranston schools from 1967 until her retirement in 1981.

She belonged to many Rhode Island community, parish and professional organizations throughout her life, and held leadership positions in a number of them. She served as a volunteer for several charities, including Rhode Island Meals on Wheels and the American Cancer Association.

She returned to the Island for part or all of every summer since 1954, the year she married. Her husband's family has been summer residents of the Martha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Association since 1915.

She is survived by three sons: James F. Duffy 3rd of Somerville, Michael P. Duffy of Chelmsford and Dennis J. Duffy of Cranston, and five grandchildren. She was the sister of Helen B. McNiff of Warwick, R.I. and the late Olive Barry.

Contributions in her name can be made to St. Paul's School Endowment Fund, 30 Warwick avenue, Cranston, R.I. 02905.