Barbara Duffy, 70, longtime South Side florist

Barbara Duffy owned and operated the John J. Duffy Floral Co., afixture on the South Side for more than 80 years.

The business was founded in 1921 by John J. Duffy, president ofthe Cook County Board and then-19th Ward alderman. Initially locatedat 54th and Halsted and later at 3219 W. 111th in the Mount Greenwoodneighborhood, it was one of the city's leading florists.

Duffy's son, John Jr., took over, and Barbara, his wife, workedthere part-time while rearing her family. The business closed for 10years in the mid-1970s, but she reopened it and operated it with adaughter, also named Barbara.

Mrs. Duffy, 70, died Thursday of cancer at Palos CommunityHospital in Palos Heights.

She grew up in the Beverly neighborhood and graduated fromLongwood High School. Her best friend introduced her to her brother,John Duffy Jr., and they were married in 1955 after he returned fromthe Korean War.

She was attending Barat College in Lake Forest at the time, butmarriage put an end to her college career.

She was on the board of the women's auxiliary of Little Company ofMary Hospital and a longtime member of Ridge Country Club.

"She was the one who would organize a party, decorate the partyand be the last to leave the party," said her son Terry Duffy, who ischairman of the board at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. "Mom was alot of fun."

He added, "She always said she lived her life for her children.Being in business with her daughter meant the world to her."

Mrs. Duffy had a summer home in Lake Geneva, Wis., for 34 years.Her husband died in 1996.

In addition to daughter Barbara and son Terry, survivors include adaughter, Janice Ross; a son, John Duffy III, and sevengrandchildren.

Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. today at Andrew J. McGann &Son Funeral Home, 10727 S. Pulaski. Mass will be offered at 10:30a.m. Tuesday at Christ the King Catholic Church, 9235 S. Hamilton,with burial in St. Mary's Cemetery, Evergreen Park.