Nona Jean (Duffy) Cunane

Nona Jean Cunane (née Duffy) peacefully entered eternal rest on January 9, 2025, at the age of 78. She will be lovingly remembered by all who knew her as a woman of unwavering strength, boundless kindness, and enduring perseverance. 

Born in Winona, Minnesota, Nona spent the majority of her life in Newark, Delaware. A proud graduate of Newark High School, she went on to marry the love of her life, Joseph Cunane Jr., in 1969. Together, they built a life rooted in love and dedication, founding The Guardian Companies in 1976 where she received the first ever “1993 Delaware Business Man of The Year Award” as a woman and leaving a lasting legacy in their community. 

While Nona took immense pride in her role as CEO of Guardian, her greatest joy came from her family. She treasured her time as a devoted mother and doting grandmother, raising four children and cherishing every moment with her 13 grandchildren. Holidays at the "Cunane Compound" were her happiest times, as she brought her loved ones together with her warmth and generosity. Summers were spent in Lewes, Delaware, where evening walks to King’s Ice Cream became a cherished tradition, and winters found her rocking peacefully on her front porch in Celebration, Florida. 

Nona is reunited in heaven with her beloved husband and partner, Joseph Cunane Jr.; her parents, Joseph and Doris Duffy; and her sister, Carol Duffy.

 She leaves behind her children: Dawn Cunane (James), Nona Van Deusen (Billy), Joe Cunane (Jen), and Christine Cunane; her treasured grandchildren: Grace, Jacob, Noah, Collin, Celia, Maci, Ava, Stalena, Holland, Herbie, Lilly, Alden, and Lincoln; and her great-grandson, Levi. She is also survived by her siblings, Beth Zimmerman (Chris), Joseph Duffy (Shirley), and Laurene Leifer, as well as many cherished friends, including Cheryl Congo and Betty Lewis, whom she considered family as well as her brother in laws: Jimmy, Tommy, and Bobby Cunane. 

Nona’s life was a testament to love, resilience, and the power of family. She will be deeply missed and forever held in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.  

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 from 10-11:00 am at Holy Family Catholic Church, 15 Gender Rd., Newark, DE 19713. A Mass of Christiana Burial will follow at 11:00 am. Interment will take place at All Saints Cemetery in Wilmington, DE immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Nona’s name may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church.

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