Mary Adam Duwa

Mary Kathleen Adam Duwa, age 85, of Washington was surrounded lovingly by her family at the Washington County Hospital when she left this world to be with her Father in Heaven on Monday November 1, 2010. The angels and saints had blessed her with strength for the journey after her stroke on Sunday. Mass of the Resurrection will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, November 4, 2010 at St. James Catholic Church in Washington with Fr. Troy Richmond officiating. Visitation will begin 4:00 p.m. Wednesday at St. James Catholic Church where family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Prayer services will be held 5:00 p.m. Wednesday at the church. Interment will take place in Elm Grove Cemetery. Memorials have been established to St. James Parish and Hospice of Washington County. Online condolences may be sent for Kathleen’s family through the web at www.jonesfh.com. The Jones & Eden Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Kathleen was born August 18, 1925 in Harper, Iowa the daughter of Richard and Veolet (Sondag) Clarahan. She attended St. Elizabeth’s Catholic School in Harper. Kathleen was united in marriage to Paul L. Adam on November 19, 1946 in Harper, Iowa. In 1977 Paul lost his battle with cancer. Following God’s plan he had for Kathleen she was united in marriage to Clifford Duwa on November 25, 1983 in Wellman, Iowa. Kathleen quickly joined hearts with the large Duwa family. She often bragged on the wonderful gifts of family and friends in her life. Kathleen was the oldest of five siblings. She grew up in a loving home and learned at a young age what joy it brought to care for others and to always put your life in God’s hands. Kathleen was a hardworking homemaker, a tremendous cook, not to mention a very willing card partner to many friends. Kathleen and Paul were given the gifts of three children. Each of them would tell you they had the best mother on earth. She was a member of St. James Catholic Church, Catholic Daughters and the Legion of Mary. Her life was focused around her family, her church and volunteering for the American Red Cross, The Veterans Hospital in Iowa City, the Washington County Hospital and Earthly Blessings. Life took a different turn for Kathleen when Alzheimers crept into her world but she somehow graciously accepted her fate and was deeply appreciative of the love and kindness given to her by all the staff at the United Presbyterian Home the past six months. Kathleen is survived by her husband Clifford Duwa of Washington; daughter, Karen Vittetoe and husband David of Keota; daughter, Nancy Keller and husband David of Davenport; son, Roger Adam and wife Becky of Washington; stepchildren, Doug Duwa and wife Angie of Williamsburg; Dennis Duwa and wife Jo of Wellman; Dwight Duwa and wife Junell of Wellman; Dixie Conrad and husband Rick of Washington; Deanna Marshek and husband Larry of Iowa City; Dallas Duwa and wife Amy of Bettendorf; Dwayne Duwa and wife Harriet of Wellman; nine grandchildren; five great grandchildren; sixteen step grandchildren; thirteen step great grandchildren; brother, Don Clarahan and wife Arlene of Harper; sister, Marietta Smeaton of Davenport; brother, Charlie Clarahan and wife Jane of Iowa City; and brother, Paul Clarahan and wife Eileen of Marion. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Paul in 1977; and one step great grandson. Kathleen will be greatly missed by many. She would gladly say though that her life was full, she savored much, good friends, good times, and loved ones’ touch. But we all must leave and start anew. Trust in the Lord, He will see you through.

Mary Adam Duwa

August 18, 1925 - November 1, 2010