Barbara A. "Barb" Duff, Esq.

Barbara A. Duff, Esq. (Barb) was born in Denver, Colorado on December 23, 1954, to Margaret (Gannon) and John (Jack) Duff. Barb peacefully passed away in Centennial, Colorado on October 26, 2024. Barb is survived by her mother Margaret of Centennial, CO; sisters Liddy (Alan Erpelding) of Lakewood, CO and Susan of Centennial, CO; Aunt Sue Gannon of Wheat Ridge, CO. Barb is also survived by her nephews Patrick Duff (Amber) and their children Mavrick & Haylynn, John Duff (Sara) and their children Francis, Willa & Beckett, Justin Duff (Danielle), and Tyler Duff and several aunts, and numerous cousins. Barb was preceded in death by her father Jack Duff and brothers Mike and Patrick Duff.

 Barb attended All Souls Catholic School (1969) and St. Frances de Sales High School (1973). She graduated from Avila College in 1976 with a BA in History and a minor in secondary education, while also receiving the Ariston Award which was given to one senior based on outstanding merit, leadership and service. After working for several years at Safeco Insurance in St. Louis, MO and Denver, CO, Barb achieved her dream of becoming a lawyer by graduating from DU School of Law in 1983 and passing the Colorado Bar in 1984. She was sworn in as an attorney on May 31, 1984. She began her law career at Hall & Evans in 1984 where she persevered with hard work and dedication to becoming a partner. In 1998, she ventured out to start her own law firm, Duff & Zinser, where she continued working until her retirement in 2005.

 Barb was hit head on by a drunk driver in April 2001. She sustained multiple injuries which would require years of long recovery, but she was determined to get her life back. Thanks to the doctors at Denver Health and the staff of Craig Hospital, she did regain most of her life, including walking without crutches, driving, and swinging a golf club. Unfortunately, the lingering effects of the injuries took a toll on Barb, and she decided to retire early.

 The years since her retirement were spent dealing with MS, which was aggressive over the last decade. In 2019, Barb decided she needed more skilled nursing care than home health aides could provide and moved into Brookdale – Meridan Englewood. Here she began to thrive again. She loved interacting with the residents, whether they were in independent living, assisted living, or on her skilled nursing floor. She made new residents feel welcome, made a point of knowing each person by name, and making them feel valued. 

 In lieu of flowers, Barb’s family requests donations be made in her memory to one of her favorite charities: Craig Foundation: 3425 S. Clarkson St., Englewood, CO 80113 Attn: Craig Foundation or https://craighospital.org/foundation/donate or Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet: 6400 Minnesota Ave., St. Louis, MO 63111 or online at https://www.csjsl.org/ways-to-give/make-a-donation. 

 Barb’s family would like to thank the staff members at Brookdale who interacted with Barb daily for their care and friendship. The family would also like to thank the staff at Porter Hospice for their kindness.

 Rosary will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at Christ on the Mountain Catholic Church, 13922 West Utah Ave., Lakewood, CO 80228. A reception will follow the Mass in the Joe Downs Memorial Hall at the Church.