Nancy Smith Dukes, 85, passed away peacefully on Oct. 14, 2022, surrounded by her loving family after a two year battle with cancer. A proud mother, Nancy's greatest love was being surrounded by her six children, 15 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren. Family brought so much joy and happiness to Nancy and she loved being called their mom, mama or grandma.
Early in her adult life, Nancy was dedicated to raising her children. Later, Nancy found she also enjoyed spending time with friends either at the bridge table or on the golf course. More recently, Nancy enjoyed living on the water near the gulf coast with her husband where they were involved in many activities and ministries at St Paul's Episcopal Church of Foley AL, bridge clubs and the Wolf Bay Watershed Project. Then, almost five years ago Nancy returned to the Phoenix desert to be closer to family and live out her final years.
Nancy is survived by her husband of 24 years, Thomas Dukes; her children: James Tress (Janice), Susan Iniguez (Bert), Beverly Schwartz (Jessie), Barbara Eschler, Michael Tress (Raji), and Jennifer Tress; and the many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family and friends she has adored and cherished over the years.
Nancy was preceded in death by her mother, Louise Horsey Smith; her father, Frederick C Smith, Jr.; and her sister, Carol Fairfax Baier.
Nancy and family are eternally grateful to the staff at Mountain Park Senior Living Community in Ahwatukee for their assistance and support providing her a warm, caring place to call home her final year.
Memorial services were held on Tuesday, Oct. 18 at St James Episcopal Church.
