Phyllis Mae Duquette, 85, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Oak Pointe Assisted Living in Columbia City, Indiana.
Born in Pemberville, Ohio, Phyllis was a daughter of the late Herbert L. and Philmina M. (Fahrer) Brinker. She graduated from Eastwood High School in Pemberville with the Class of 1959. It was during her high school years that she met the love of her life, Dale Duquette, and the two began a lifelong journey together. They were married on October 3, 1959 and shared many wonderful years together.
At the age of 18, Phyllis began working as a waitress for Holiday Inn. Her strong work ethic, dedication, and genuine desire to serve others led her to advance throughout her career, eventually becoming a manager and controller for several Holiday Inn locations. She proudly dedicated more than 40 years to her career.
Phyllis and Dale made their home in Northwest Ohio for 60 years before moving to Columbia City, Indiana, where they had lived for the past eight years. Following their retirement, Phyllis and Dale enjoyed spending many winters volunteering at LEC United Methodist Retreat Center in Fruitland Park, Florida. Their time there allowed them to serve others while also enjoying the warmer Florida winters.
Phyllis had many interests and enjoyed reading, scrapbooking, and traveling. She was especially passionate about her pets, including her beloved Italian Greyhound, Blue. Above all, Phyllis was a caregiver and nurturer by nature. She had a generous heart and found great joy in caring for others. Her greatest happiness came from being close to her family and spending time with those she loved.
Surviving are her children, Timothy “Tim” (Deb) Duquette of Clinton, Michigan, and Anthony “Tony” (Debra) Duquette of Columbia City, Indiana; grandchildren, Keith (Amanda) Duquette, Corey (Monika) Duquette, and Emilee (Joe) Mae; great-grandchildren, Lauren, Corbyn, Penn, Logan, Jackson, and Moxy; and sister, Shirley (Glenn) Rahe.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Dale Duquette; and siblings, Dale Brinker, Naomi Heilman, and Frederick "Fritz" Brinker.
A Celebration of Phyllis's Life will be held Saturday, November 7, 2026 at Bradner United Methodist Church, Bradner Ohio where Phyllis attended. Visitation will begin at 10:30 with services beginning at 11:30 officiated by Paster Tamara Bennett. Lunch will be served after the service. Memorials may be made to the Bradner United Methodist Church Childrens Ministry. FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services is handling arrangements.