Amy Diane Duckworth (Sutton)
Following a heartbreakingly brave battle, Amy Diane Duckworth(Sutton) died May 20, 2021 at Alexandra Marine and General Hospital, the hospital in which she was born 45 years ago. Amy leaves behind her husband and best friend Mike and her adored son Jacob. Amy’s prime goal in life was to make her son Jacob the best person he could be and in this she was truly successful.
Much loved daughter of George and Diane Sutton and daughter-in-law of Joanne Duckworth. Amy will be deeply missed by her brother Christopher Sutton(Colleen) of Ottawa and brother –in-law Jason Duckworth(Tanya) of Goderich and nephew Chace Duckworth(Megan) and nieces Cassie and Arie Sutton. Amy is part of a large and loving family of aunts, uncles, and cousins from the Duckworths, Suttons, Jarretts, Kinahans and Martins. Throughout Amy’s illness her many incredible friends gave her strength and comfort with their countless acts of kindness.
Amy was a proud G.D.C.I. Viking and after graduating from the University of Toronto she was very happy to return to G.D.C.I. as a teacher in 2004. She loved and respected her students and was deeply interested in their success, always looking for ways to broaden their understanding of the world around them and how to make it a better place. Amy was passionate about being good to other people and would not hesitate to challenge injustice in any form. Amy was very lucky to work with so many incredible colleagues who she deeply admired. In her quiet and humble way, Amy influenced the lives of many people. Amy was always ready to help anyone in need, from family to total strangers.
As a dedicated wife and mother, Amy never missed a sporting event, whether it was track and field or cheering on soccer teams from Goderich, London and St. Columban, and always the Goderich Sailors. Amy was deeply touched when the 2018/19 Pee Wee Rep Team went “pink” in her honour. As a hobby, Amy created beautiful and unusual letter photography. Samples of her work are in homes across North America and even Europe and Australia.
Cremation has taken place. Due to the pandemic, internment will take place at a later date. A Celebration of Life will be held when all of Amy’s many friends and family can gather to remember a remarkable young woman. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Kids Help Phone, the Huron Women’s Shelter (Carly Lomas Education Fund), or your favourite charity. Friends may sign the Book of Condolences at www.mccallumpalla.ca
Shared by Amy Olmstead
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
John Geiger
So sorry to hear this sad news.
You have our deepest sympathy.
Your GDCI Viking family will miss you Amy!
I have such fond memories of my 25 years at GDCI.
Our sincere condolences to the Sutton & Duckworth families.
Dona Looez
For all the joys this child shall bring, The risk of grief we’ll run, We’ll shelter her with tenderness, We’ll love her while we may, And for the happiness we’ve known, Forever grateful stay, But should the angels call for her, Much sooner than we’ve planned, We’ll brave the bitter pain that comes, And try to understand. Rest In Peace, dear Amy, and may your memories live on in your family and friends.
Dona Lopez (Baker)
I will lend you for a little time, A child of mine, He said, For you to love the while she lives And mourn for when she’s dead. It may be six or seven years, Or forty-two or three. But will you, till I call her back, Take care of her for Me? She’ll bring her charms to gladden you, And should her stay be short, You’ll have her lovely memories, As solace for your grief. I cannot promise she will stay, Since all from earth return, But there were lessons taught down there, I wanted her to learn. I looked the whole world over, In search of teachers true, And from the throngs that crowd life’s lanes, I have selected you. Now will you give her all your love, Nor think the labour vain, Nor hate Me when I come, To take her home again? I fancied that I heard them say, “Dear Lord, Thy will be done!” Cont’d
Dona Lopez (Baker)
Dear Dianne, George and Family, I cannot express how sad I was to hear this news. Although I have been gone from Goderich for about 33 years now, I still keep in touch with a number of my friends and try to keep up with what is happening in the lovely Town of Goderich. It is so hard to say goodbye to a loved one at any time, but with the restrictions of Covid that prevent friends and family from giving hugs and offering in person support, it becomes much harder to bear. Of course my memories of Amy are stuck as the sweetest little girl, but I can see from her picture she grew up to be a beautiful woman and still retained her sweet loving nature. Sending prayers and asking God to help you all through this difficult time. Imagine giving you big hugs and sharing your tears, Dona (Baker) Lopez
Mike and Lesley Ash
To each member of Amy’s family we send our sincerest condolences. We hold each of you in our prayers. Amy was a shining light that will be deeply missed. Mike fondly remembers Amy when she was a student and a teacher at GDCI.
Lesley Walker
I remember Amy being hired at the Beach hut when she was in high school. Believe Christopher worked there also.
She was an amazing woman. And inspection to many. Prayers to all family and friends. May you R.I P. Amy.
Sue Swan
To All of Amy’s Family
Please know what a remarkable person your Amy was & accept my heartfelt condolences.
Rest well in the hearts of all whom loved her 🌹
Henrietta Wise
The Duckworth families,
Amy was my son Nicholas’s first high school teacher. Her kindness, and patience shown to my son and all his classmates was so appreciated.We are so sorry for your loss.
Henrietta and Nicholas Wise
Linda Wiebe
I will continue to be inspired by the way Amy was with her students. I saw respect, connection, kindness and compassion. She challenged students in their thinking and expected them to do their best. She supported them with a grounded enthusiasm that I could see made them feel like it was possible.
My condolences to the Sutton and Duckworth families and to her family at GDCI.
Linda Pfannenstiel
It isn’t often that someone comes into the world of teaching that you know will make an impact on so many lives.
I had the privilege of being one of Amy’s first classroom Education Support people when she came to GDCI years ago.
I don’t know of many people that put such effort and tolerance into teaching and inspired so many lives on her path.
It was an honour to have worked beside you Amy. May your light shine on.
Bill and I send our deepest condolences to Amy’s family and friends.
Cecelia Denomme
Dear Duckworth and Sutton family – you are close in my heart – Sincerely Cecelia
Kathi, Darcy, Ryan and Owen McGee
Through a special friendship of two little boys; Amy, Mike, Jacob, George and Diane become our extended family. We are so grateful for these friendships, and the memories that we will hold close. Our hearts are broken and we are so sad that that Amys family and friends have to face this loss. Thinking of you all as you find strength in one another. With love from Kathi, Darcy, Ryan and Owen
Steve Johnston
I’m so sorry to hear of Amy’s passing. My sincerest condolences to Mike, Jacob, Mr. Sutton and family.
Ron Sowerby
Sincerest condolences to the Duckworth and Sutton Families. Amy was such a wonderful young lady. May you rest in peace Amy.
Joe & Tammy Sherratt
To Mike, Jacob & all of Amy’s immediate family, we offer our sincerest condolences. Keeping you in our hearts and minds, may Amy rest in peace.
JENNIFER MATTHEWS
Since condolences on your loss.
Harold and Dianne Leddy
Mike, Jacob and families
We are sorry to hear of Amy’s passing. She was a very special lady
Our Prayers are with you
Dianne and Harold
Elaine Fielder
Some are born to teach and that was true of Amy. She sparked conversation within her classroom and it carried over outside of the classroom. She truly wanted her students to be their best selves. I will miss her, Rest In Peace Amy.
Steve and Angie Hewitt
Our deepest condolences. Thinking of you all.
Chad Bogie
I was deeply saddened to hear of Amy’s passing. Our sincerest condolences to all. Rest In Peace Amy.
Cynthia (Robinson) Fox
Sincere condolences to everyone who knows and loves Amy.
I will always remember babysitting Chris & Amy back in the 80’s. As a little girl, Amy would say “tookie” for cookie. And she said it a lot as she really liked tookies! It was just the cutest thing!
Smurfs, butterflies, the Thriller album, dancing, long brown wavy hair, sparkling blue eyes–a beautiful, inquisitive little lady with so many things to ask and say. This is how I will always remember Amy.
May Amy always sleep in eternal peace and may God give you strength.
Barbara Desjardins
My sincere sympathy during your time of such sadness and loss.
Gayle and Barron Purser
Dear Duckworth and Sutton family.
We extend our sincere condolences , in your hearbreaking loss of Amy.
Sincerely
Gayle and Barney
Margaret Gould
Dear Diane, George, Christopher (Colleen) and the Duckworth Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing your dear Amy. She was a courageous and remarkable woman. She will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
Sending courage and love,
Marg and George Gould
Mike Jeffrey
My condolences to your family George
Eveline Wright
I worked with Amy at GDCI and had the honour of knowing her in her role as an inspirational teacher for my own daughters. She truly will be missed by our family as an incredible leader and teacher in so many social justice issues. She has sparked many conversations in our family about world issues and has helped ignite a true love of learning in my children. Our heartfelt condolences go to Amy’s family. She will truly be missed by the many lucky people whose lives she has touched. 💕
Mary Ann Hogan
I am so sorry to hear of Amy’s passing. I had the pleasure of teaching Amy at Victoria Public School. She was a model student, always eager to learn, creative, kind and thoughtful to her peers. I am proud to own a beautiful octagon shaped stained glass window that Amy made. My deepest condolences to all her family.
Heather Knoop
I am so very sorry for your family loss. Amy was a remarkable person and I am so glad I had the opportunity to work with her. GDCI will miss her so much!
Shirley Erb
Mike, Jacob and all of Amys families My heart aches. Amy was such a great lady. Rest in peace.
Moe, Tracy Millian & family
My sincerest condolences to Mike, Jacob and all of Amy’s family and many friends. Amy was a great soul who looked at the positive side of everything in life. Not sure I ever heard her say a negative thing about anyone. She was always willing to help others out, and put everyone else’s well being above her own. She will be truly missed.
Amber and Ryan Riehl
We are so sorry to hear of Amy’s passing. Our sincere condolences to your family. Sending our love.
Andre & Jean Delbergue
Joanne and family our deepest sympathy at this difficult time.
Meliss Beattie
Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
Jim and Melissa Beattie and family.
Jill Sygrove
To all of Amy’s family,
I am so sorry to hear of Amy’s passing. I have many fond memories of Amy when we were in highschool and from our trip to Bracebridge to watch our dad’s play ball. I made use Amy’s letter photography for gifts many times over the years- she was very talented. I wish you all peace and comfort as you navigate this difficult journey and can only imagine the hole that is left behind. Hold tight to the memories. Jill
Reg and Melanie Iza
Our Condolences to the Duckworth and Sutton families. Amy will be greatly missed. I had the privilege to share an office and work closely with Amy for a number of years. She truly is an inspiration. Our deepest sympathies to you all.
Love
the Iza family
Shelley Kerr
Our condolences from the Kerr family. Amy was a beautiful soul. Wonderful wife and mother. RIP Amy.
Brenda McEwin
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mike, Jacob, George, Dianne and their families. I have had the pleasure and honour of knowing Amy from the time she was a student at GDCI and then colleague. Amy was a too inspiration to all that knew her. Amy taught with passion and I had the pleasure working with her in many of her roles at GDCI. She was an amazing teacher, and her students respected her and admired her. Amy’s infectious smile will be truly missed in the halls at GDCI and within our community.
Kristy Botden
A true leader in her own right: Patient, kind, knowledgeable, professional and caring. Amy treated students and staff in the same gentle manner. She was a true champion of advocacy for kids. Her unwavering dedication to her craft was given the utmost respect by her colleagues. I am blessed to have been directly influenced by her in my career; her mark is indelible. Heaven has gained a true angel. Rest In Peace, Amy.
Kim Stiles Ewing
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Sutton and Chris and families. I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Amy. I have many wonderful memories of our times together when we were children – riding to school with Mr. Sutton, playing with the neighborhood kids and just hanging out at either of our houses. I remember Amy being so fun and honestly quite brave! I remember Mike and Chris daring her to eat ketchup on strawberry ice cream and she did it! I’m thinking of you all and sending my condolences. ❤️ Kimmie Stiles
Ryan & Amber Riehl
Dear Jacob, Mike, Diane and George,
You are in our thoughts and in our hearts during this indescribably sad time.
Amy was a truly exceptional person. Her kindness, dedication and grace made an impression on all whose lives she touched.
Your family, friends, and community mourn with you.
Amber, Ryan, Nolan & Nina Riehl
Jill Dineen
I’m terribly sorry and saddened to hear of Amy’s passing. My condolences to Mike and the Duckworth and Sutton Families ♥️
Kelly, Chuck and Mason Phillips
So very sorry for your loss. Please know we are sending you all our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to Mike, Jacob, George, Dianne, Joanne and families. Amy was a true inspiration. A wonderful and caring person inside and out. We are truly grateful and thankful to have known Amy. Her positivity, strength and determination was always present in everything she did. A true angel who has been taken way too soon. Her love and light will never be forgotten. Cherish your memories forever more. Kelly, Chuck and Mason Phillips
Kypp Smith
I want to thank Mrs. Duckworth today for being an amazing teacher to me and many other students along with me. Anyone who knows Mrs. Duckworth knows that she really cared and valued all of her students individually. I want to say thank you Mrs. Duckworth for making my high-school life a bit easier being one of the awesome teachers who genuinely cared about me and wanted to see me succeed as a Viking. I am beyond grateful to have been in your class, make friends and learn about Canadian Law. Even though I made one heck of an eye sore of a presentation with creative font and way too much design you gave me a 70% anyway. Even though I had such a hard time pursuing a career in law. It has never left my side in my side hobbies and interests. I owe a lot of my success and my passion for Canadian Law and True Crime to you.
Thank you for being incredible, you will be dearly missed. ❤
Joanne McIntyre
Sending our condolences to Mike, Jacob and all of the family. Amy was a such an amazing person, she touched so many lives and she will be greatly missed. Thinking of you all…..The McIntyre family
Mairead Morrison
Mrs. Duckworth was such an amazing teacher and really cared about her students. I’m so sorry for your loss. (Former student)
St. Columban U15 OSA Boys Soccer Team
Our sincere condolences to Jacob, Mike, and all of Amy’s family and friends. We will miss Amy on the soccer field side lines.
Jim, Charlene & Ben O’Reilly
Jacob – your Mom was a fantastic soccer Mom. We are all thinking about you and your Dad, and your families and friends during this heartbreaking journey.
Paul Jewell
My condolences to the families prayers to you all.
CArol Williams
I am so very sorry too hear of the passing of Amy . She was a true inspiration to all who were in her company ! Deepest sympathies to you and your family! Sincerely CarolWilliams and Bob Millian
Gentry & Erin Wilson
So very sorry for your loss Mike, Jacob & family.
Angela Duncan-Kent
Duncan, Hannah and I are deeply saddened by the loss of an amazing woman. She has touched my children’s lives in many ways and we are forever great full to have had her in our lives. Her family will be in our thoughts and we will continue to remember how strong Amy was and how she positively touched our lives.
Sharon Brown
To Mike Jason Diane George and Joanne
I was so saddened to hear of Amy’s passing. She will be truly missed by so many. She was a kind, compassionate woman and wonderful member of our community. My heart goes out to all of you. Sharon Brown
Denise & Grant Langlois
Our sincere condolences to Amy’s family as she will be missed by everyone that new her. She helped our son Kody with his difficulties in schooling. She was so patient and amazing and our thoughts are with you all at this very sad time.
Patty Brereton
Words cannot express our sadness on the loss of Amy…we have wonderful memories of her growing up with our daughter Leslie…They were always such great friends and we loved having Amy come to our home. She was so full of life and happiness and I know her family and students benefited greatly from being around her as our family did likewise. Please know that we will always cherish Amy in our hearts and know that she touched so many others as well…love to you and your families…Dave and patty.
Cathy Jo Thom
Amy was a great friend and an exceptional teacher. I don’t know anyone who taught with more love, tolerance or integrity. She was a true social justice leader who inspired so many students. I will work to keep her spirit alive. Sending love and support to the entire family. 💕
Kathy Duncan
I’m so sorry for your loss Mike,Jacob,George and Diane❤️Amy was an amazing person, she will definitely be missed. I’ve been fortunate enough to call her my friend for many years, we always picked it up despite how many years in between visits. I will fondly remember her and our lovely chat as we walked down the beach at Leslie’s place and at our 30 yr anniversary of our grade 8 graduation.
Lisa Ringuette
I am so blessed to have known Amy! My sympathies to all of the Duckworths and Suttons, especially for Mike and Jacob. I loved working with Amy – Rockstar Teacher and Mom💙💙 I will miss her at GDCI! We will all miss her. With much love, Lisa (colleague & friend)
Diana Glousher
Wow where do you start such a young life to be gone but never forgotten. Always remember ❤ the love you gave n received ❤ RIP Amy
FRED SCHOEMAKER
i think we should do a staff golfing day – i think it was about 2010 we had a golf day – bbq over amy’ and jonh’ place
my condolences to both families
Becky and Dave McIvor
It is with deep sincere sympathies that we extend to all the family and friends of Amy our condolences. Another life gone far too soon. Amy was a quiet kind soul May she be pain free and RIP
crystal boa
Im so sad and sorry to hear of the loss of Amy. I remember her as a little girl hanging out or following Chris and all us neighborhood kids around. She will truly be missed by the community old and new. Sending my thoughts to you all…*Chris thinking of you ❤️..and Mr. and Mrs. Sutton..
Amy Olmstead
Amy was a truly remarkable woman and I am definitely a better person for having known her . She was selfless and kind and always saw the silver lining in everything ! We will miss your smile at the arena, cheering on our boys together, and conversations about life. The world has definitely lost one of the great ones !! Our deepest condolences to George and Diane and all her family And friends. Sending Mike and Jacob strength in the days ahead ❤️You are in our thoughts and prayers always . The Olmstead’s
Meris Harvey
Deeply saddened to hear of Amy’s passing. An incredible young lady, who will be sorely missed by family and friends. Fly with the angels Amy, you have earned your wings.
Wilma Duckworth
Amy you will be missed so much. Your courage but your heart for others will always stay in my mind.
Words are never enough. Wilma D.
Mandy and Jeremy Powell
Our deepest condolences to Mike, Jake, and family.
phil duncan
my heart aches..thoughts and prayers are with you Mike, Jacob and all the families..
Rest in peace Amy
Tamra Berry
Amy was a wonderful teacher who loved her job and truly cared about her students and was a great advocate for them. It was an honour to work with her as an EA. We had many fun times with lots of laughs, both in the classroom and outside of work. She will be so greatly missed. My condolences to all.
Deb and Marlowe Austin
Our hearts break, hearing of Amy’s passing. She certainly was an amazing human to everyone she met. Thinking of you all ❤️