Mary Weiss Duff

Rydal, PA

Mary lived a life filled with love, laughter, family, and adventure. Warmhearted, determined, and fun-loving, she didn’t simply want to enjoy life, she wanted everyone around her to enjoy it, too.

Born in Germantown on Mischief Night 1928, Mary was the daughter of the late William and Edna (nee Mattson) Wurst. She grew up with her parents, older sisters, Ruth and Alice, and her beloved grandfather, “Poppy.” Throughout her life, she fondly recalled playing poker with Poppy and his friends and spending summers at the shore, where dance cards, swimming, and sailing on the bay became treasured memories.

Mary graduated from Germantown High School in 1945 and continued her education at Harcum Jr. College where she studied to become a secretary. She worked in downtown Philadelphia until marrying her high school sweetheart, Edward “Ed” Weiss. They lived in Cheltenham before settling on George Road in Meadowbrook, where they raised their three children. Together, Mary and Ed built a home centered on family, church, cooking and of course, sailing. Mary taught Sunday school, enjoyed playing bridge, and believed wholeheartedly in her children. Mary was also Ed’s partner in his housewares business and their own company, Sailboat Headquarters. Together, they helped transform the Red Dragon Canoe Club on the Delaware River into a vibrant sailing community for young families, complete with sailing camp, dances, and lasting friendships.

Following Ed’s death, Mary continued to embrace her love of sailing. She became the first woman member of the Toms River Yacht Club, where she captained a 28-foot Sabre sailboat, Respite.

Six years after Ed’s passing, Mary married Robert “Bob” Duff and moved to Toms River. Their marriage brought not only a new chapter of love and adventure, but also a larger family to hold dear. Mary embraced Bob’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with open arms and an open heart.

In Toms River, Mary worked as a real estate agent and served as president of the Tom’s River Yacht Club Women’s Auxiliary. She and Bob shared the love of family and a life on the water, sailing and racing their Sabre together. In 1989, they celebrated first place in the Sabre’s World Cup Sailing Regatta.

When managing a sailboat became more difficult, Mary and Bob traded sails for a motorboat, affectionately calling their “stink pot” Second Wind. Their adventures continued, now with more opportunities to enjoy boating with their children and grandchildren. The grandchildren especially treasured days spent crabbing, swimming off the boat, and settling in for a nap on board.

Holidays were special to Mary because they brought everyone together. She was famous for her velvety-smooth gravy, and holiday gatherings often found her in the kitchen with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, sharing both the work and the joy of preparing a family meal.

Eventually, Mary and Bob moved back to Pennsylvania and into Rydal Park, where they told stories of their sailing adventures to their new friends. Mary loved to dance and was seen dancing the Jitterbug on her 90th birthday at Rydal.

Her loving family includes her children, Edward Weiss (Margene), John Weiss (whose wife, Ann, preceded her in death), and Jeanne Adshead (Robert); grandchildren, Kathryn Weiss Ryan (Peter), Matthew Weiss, John Weiss, Jr (Kristin Kopec) Laura Bradbury (Richard), Elizabeth Skorton (Christopher), and Michelle Waterman (Forrest); and five cherished great-grandchildren.

Mary’s family also includes the Florida branch she welcomed through her marriage to Bob: Bonnie Ayers (whose husband, Craig, preceded Mary in death) and David Duff (Debora), grandchildren, Lauren Lamb (Hector), Joseph Anzalone, Michael Anzalone (Danielle) and Corey Duff; and four cherished great-grandchildren.

Mary died peacefully at Rydal Park at almost 98 years old.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held in the spring.