Regina S. "Jean" Duane

August 15, 1934 - June 1, 2020

Regina S. “Jean” Duane of Naples, FL passed away peacefully on Monday, June 1, 2020 surrounded by her loving family. Formerly of Rockville, MD, she was a longtime seasonal resident of Ocean City, MD and Naples, FL before settling in Naples permanently in 2000. Born in Queens, NY, Jean was the daughter of the late Charles J. and Elizabeth M. (Fitzpatrick) Sigmund. Jean was raised in Jamaica Estates and Shoreham Village, NY before attending Marymount School in New York City. She graduated from Trinity University in Washington, DC where she received her degree in Economics. At Trinity, she met the love of her life, an architect named Franklin J. Duane. They were married in NYC and started their lives together in Williamsburg, VA while Frank was stationed with the Army in Fort Eustis, VA. Jean worked at William & Mary University and AT&T in New York and Washington, DC. During her summer breaks from college, Jean was a performer in Elliott Murphy’s New York City Aquashow as an Aquadorable with Duke Ellington and his Orchestra. She performed with the Aquadorables on the Ed Sullivan national TV broadcast in 1953 and 1954. Jean raised five children in Kensington, Rockville and Ocean City, MD. Jean was a 30-year member and resident of Manor Country Club where she became a Civic Activist protecting Old Georgia Avenue. This part of Manor Country Club would not be there today if it wasn’t for Jean’s activism. She spent most of her summers in Ocean City, MD where she was a realtor and a regular on the docket at city hall voicing her opinion on public matters to enhance the town. Her letters to the editor were legendary pieces. Jean loved the ocean and was happiest when swimming or walking miles on the 92nd Street Beach in Ocean City and Old Naples. She enjoyed windsurfing, tap dancing and was a member of the Naples ReCreational Tappers of SW Florida. Jean especially loved watching sunsets while listening to the 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky, timing the last rays of sunset to the cannon finale, something her family will joyfully carry forward. Jean was known as “Grangee” to her eleven grandchildren. Grangee introduced them to the simple joys of the beach, picking crabs, scrapple and crumb cake. The memories of walks down the boardwalk, sunsets and laughs will live in their hearts forever. Jean is survived by her beloved husband of 64 years, Franklin James “Frank” Duane; loving children, Brian (Diana) Duane of Atlanta, GA, Carol (Michael) Gillespie of Raleigh, NC, Kerry Doyle of Milwaukee, WI (Kevin Doyle of Chicago, IL), Claire (Mark) Jennings of Petaluma, CA, and Diane (Aaron) Howse of Charlotte, NC; brothers, Dr. Charles J. (Henrietta) Sigmund of Fort Myers, FL, Matthew Sigmund of Granville, TN; grandchildren, Matthew (Kimberly) Duane, Karen Duane, Kimberly Duane, Mark Duane, Colleen Doyle, Casey Doyle, Grace Jennings, John Jennings, Alison Gillespie, Kyle Howse, and Julia Howse; and great-grandson, Timothy “Eli” Duane. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandson, Patrick Doyle. A Memorial Mass in her honor will be celebrated on Saturday, June 6, 2020 at 10:00 AM at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church 28300 Beaumont Rd., Bonita Springs, FL. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to St. Vincent de Paul Society. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home, Bonita Springs, FL.