Maria C. Duca

DUCA

Maria C., (nee Furlan), age 83, on September 15, 2026, of Media, PA, formerly of Philadelphia, PA.

Maria was the second of four children of Rose and Louis Furlan of the Mayfair section of Philadelphia, after her brother Louis and before her sister Virginia and brother Corey.  After her family moved to Springfield Delaware County, she graduated from Archbishop Prendergast in 1960.  She met the love of her life, her husband Alexander “Sandy” Duca, a year later, marrying in 1965. Together the couple had three children, Anthony, Virginia, and Melissa.

After a few years as a stay-at-home mom, Maria returned to the workforce in 1982, working at the Department of Defense on Oregon Avenue in South Philadelphia until her retirement over twenty years later.  Always a sociable person, she established many life-long friendships during her time there.

After the passing of Sandy in 1989, Maria moved to Clifton Heights in Delaware County to be closer to her parents.  Once her children had married, she lived in Drexelbrook for a few years before moving to the Wesley Enhanced Living facility in Media, PA in 2016.

Despite an increasing number of health issues, Maria maintained an active social life, participating in dozens of various social groups at Wesley and expanding her ever-growing circle of friends.  As a devout Catholic and one of the first Catholic residents at Wesley, Maria was a leading member of the Rosary Prayer and Inter-Faith groups.  Maria was also one of the founding members and organizers of the annual May Procession honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary. Through these many associations Maria was a beloved member of the Wesley community, not only among her fellow residents, but also by administrative staff, nurses, and aides.

Maria was at her happiest when spending time with her children, grandchildren, and extended family, watching old television shows, movies, playing games, going on trips, and various other activities.  She was also a lover of dogs, referring to the dogs of her children as her grand-doggies.

Predeceased by her husband, Alexander “Sandy” Duca, her parents, Rose (nee Serraino) and Louis Furlan, and her sister, Virginia Furlan.

Survived by her children, Anthony (Jill Anne) Duca, Virginia “Ginny” Chappell, and Melissa Connolly (Joseph), her five grandchildren, Alexander, Joseph, Anthony, Robert, and Kayla, her brothers, Louis (Frances) and Corey (Debbie) Furlan, and her sisters-in-law, Mary Boyle and Elynor Furlan.

Relatives & friends are invited to her Viewing Wednesday, September 23^rd, 9:30 AM – 10:45 AM followed by her Funeral Mass 11:00 AM ALL IN CHURCH at St Mary Magdalen Parish, 2400 N. Providence Rd., Media, Pennsylvania 19063.  Inurnment Private.

Contributions in Maria’s memory may be made to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) at https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/?form=donate

ARR. DANJOLELL MEMORIAL HOME

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Maria C. Duca, please visit our Tribute Store.