Christine "Chris" Duffey

Christine Duffey, age 70, passed away after a long illness on June 12, 2025, in Glenview, Illinois.

Christine Ann Poleo was born on October 25, 1954, the first child of Bill and Georgetta Poleo, in Oak Park, Michigan. She graduated from St. Mary’s Academy HS in Monroe, Michigan in 1972 and went on to earn a degree in Fashion Design for Bennett College in Millbrook, New York. After college, Chris began her career in New York City. After an internship at the department store Bergdorf Goodman on 5 th Avenue, she joined the Anne Klein Co. and worked under the designer, Donna Karan.

Chris married the love of her life, Joel Duffey, bringing her back to Michigan in 1977. The couple moved to Cincinnati, Ohio and raised two children, Justin and Kiersten (JT Gray).

After her husband’s death in 1993, Chris continued her work designing fashion and home décor product lines for companies including Last Best Place Catalog Co., New Creative Enterprises, and Red Carpet Studios.

Chris was a proud and devoted grandmother to Josie Duffey, CJ, Fisher and Gibson Gray. She was a loving wife, dedicated mother, doting grandmother, and a true friend to many. Her home was filled with laughter, her impeccable style, and the wonderful aroma of home-cooked meals.

Chris was a woman with many talents and passions. She had a vibrant sense of fashion, a flair for interior design, and an eye for a good antique. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, she sang and acted in many plays and beauty pageants. Chris had the unique ability to connect with everyone she met. She brought light into every room with her warm smile and left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

A celebration of Chris’s life will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at St. Anthony Church, 6104 Desmond St. Cincinnati, Ohio 45227. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am, with funeral services following at 10:00 am. All who knew and loved her are welcome to attend. A second celebration of life will be planned for a later date for family and friends in Michigan. Details to come.

Chris will be dearly missed, but her spirit will live on in the love she gave, the beauty she created, and the lives she touched.

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options of Schiller Park, IL