Mary "Marilu" Lucille Duncan

Mary Lucille (Marilu) Duncan of Dumas passed away on Friday, December 2, 2022. Funeral Service is scheduled for 10 o’clock in the morning on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at St Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Graveside Service to follow immediately at Northlawn Memorial Gardens with Father Gabriel Garcia officiating. Friends and family are encouraged to gather at Morrison Funeral Home from 6pm to 8pm on Tuesday, December 6, to remember and celebrate her life.

Marilu was born February 20, 1930, in Menominee, Michigan, where she spent her childhood summers swimming and sailing on Green Bay and winters ice skating. After graduating from Lourdes Catholic High School in Marinette, Wisconsin, she attended and graduated from Chicago Wesley Memorial Nursing School. She began her medical career in Chicago and soon thereafter met Harold Basil Duncan, love of her life and devoted husband for over 59 years. They soon began their family with Jean born in Chicago; Scott born in Michigan City, IN; and Don born in Amarillo, TX.

Marilu served in various roles as a registered nurse until settling in Dumas in 1963 where she was employed at Dumas Memorial Hospital supervising surgery and central supply. Her medical career took a dramatic change when she accepted the position of industrial nurse at the newly opened Swift Beef Packing Plant in 1975 where she remained until her retirement in 1987. Among Marilu's diversified interests and associations were various roles in the Girl Scouts, Dumas Noon Lion's Club, Dance Club, swimming, golfing, fishing, and camping with her growing family.

Upon retirement, Marilu served for years with the Chamber of Commerce Women's Division, Catholic Women's Society, Beta Sigma Sorority, Ladies Golf Association, and Moore Bullish Broads, serving as president of all at various times. She was awarded numerous honors and recognition for her service, including Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year 2002 and 2011 as well as the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. She also enjoyed volunteering as a swim instructor at the YMCA and language instructor in ESL classes.

Marilu was preceded in death by her parents Joseph Stanley and Lucille Eleanor Smalter, her brother Don Smalter, and her husband Harold Basil Duncan.

Marilu is survived by her children and their spouses Jean and Orlando Lobo, Scott and Penny Duncan, and Don and Abby Duncan, along with her 6 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations may be made in Marilu's honor to the Memorial Brick Building Fund at the Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Church where she has been a parishioner since 1963. To donate, contact the church office at 806-935-5002.