Karen Sue Duff

Karen Sue Duff, 75, of Hanover, PA, died peacefully at her home with her family. Born in Baltimore to John Ira Alexander and Dorothy Nell McGraw, Karen grew up on her grandparents’ (John and Mary Belle McGraw) farm in Baltimore County with her five brothers and sister. Her grandmother Mary Held, who was a Flying Grandmother, flew with Amelia Earhart, and has artwork in the Smithsonian.

Karen married the love of her life, Charles Ronald (Ron) Duff, in 1966. They were married for 57 years and had one child, their daughter, Angela (Angel) Marie Duff in 1967. Karen, Ron, and their daughter first lived in Randallstown, MD, but they eventually moved to Westminster, MD, where they lived for over 15+ years, eventually moving to Hanover, PA. During Karen’s employment years, she worked in various capacities from operating a school bus to serving as a drug and alcohol counselor.

Once retired in Hanover, Karen’s favorite pastime was sitting with Ron on their beautiful back porch, watching the birds, and feeding the chipmunks that would eat peanuts out of her hand. She loved her neighbors and enjoyed seeing them and spending time with them when she was less ill. She and Ron also liked to take rides in the countryside and just enjoyed being together.

In addition to Charles Ronald Duff, she is survived by her daughter Angel, her husband Timothy (Tim) Hermes and their son Benjamin (Ben) Hermes, as well as her brother Ronald Alexander. Her brothers William Daniel, Charles Thomas, Gary L., Robert, and sister Jo Ann Tanner predeceased her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Brandenburg & Stein Funeral Parlor, 3045 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, PA 17325 on Saturday, May 13th at 11:00 am.