Penny Sine Duff

KENNEBUNK – Penny Sine Duff, 85, a longtime resident of Kennebunk, passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family.

Born on Oct. 10, 1940, in Trenton, N.J., Penny was the daughter of Aubrey and Jean (Fleming) Sine. She graduated from Pennsbury High School in Yardley, Pa., where she was a cheerleader and athlete. Her summers as a lifeguard and diving coach inspired her lifelong passion for teaching.

In 1962, Penny earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pa. At Bucknell, she competed on the swimming and diving teams and performed with the synchronized swimming group, The Syncronettes.

On Aug. 18, 1962 Penny married her college sweetheart, Al Duff, in Morrisville, Pa. Together, they raised four children while living in Lewisburg, Pa., Bay Village and Painesville, Ohio, before settling in Kennebunk, in 1977.

Penny was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose selfless acts defined her family. She loved cooking family dinners and was her children’s biggest cheerleader—attending every game, meet, and performance. That same pride and enthusiasm continued with her grandchildren, whose lives and accomplishments brought her immense joy.

An artist at heart, Penny found beauty in creativity. She loved painting, crafting, and cross-stitching; several of her award-winning designs were published in Cross Stitch Magazine. A longtime member of Webhannet Golf Club, Penny was a spirited and competitive golfer into her 80s.

She was known for her infectious smile, quick wit, and sense of humor, which she carried with her through every stage of life—a source of laughter and light for her family and friends.

Penny was predeceased by her parents, Aubrey and Jean Sine; and her sister, Nancy.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years of marriage, Alfred Turney Duff III of Kennebunk; her four children, Turney Duff of New York City, N.Y., Debbie Messersmith of Salisbury, Mass., Kristin Schlageter of Columbia, Pa., and Kelly Kinsey (Randy) of Avon Lake, Ohio; two brothers, Robert J. Sine and Thomas R. “Tucker” Sine; and nine grandchildren, Brady and Mara Kinsey; Claire, Luke, and Gray Messersmith; William, Samantha, and Abigail Schlageter; and Lola Duff.

She will be remembered for her warmth, creativity, humor, and unwavering devotion to the people she loved most.

A celebration of Penny’s life will be held in the Spring of 2026.

The family would like to thank Kennebunk’s Serving Our Seniors- especially Sally Mac Kinnon, Lori Flannery, and Danielle Bonney McPherson – for their incredible care, kindness, and compassion throughout Penny’s journey. They were truly fabulous, and we will always think of them as family.

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit Penny’s Book of Memories at http://www.bibberfuneral.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk, ME 04043.

Should friends and family desire, memorial donations may be made in Penny’s memory to [organization TBD – suggestions include the Alzheimer’s Association, Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, or a local education fund]. TBD – Serving our Seniors, if allowed – or possibly Hospice of Southern Maine)