Marie (Basehoar) Duncan, age 91, passed away peacefully in the early morning of September 9, 2025, at the Brethren Home in New Oxford, following complications related to congestive heart failure.

Born in Gettysburg, PA, on August 25, 1934, Marie was the daughter of Theron E. Basehoar and Marietta (Brauning) Basehoar. Her given name was Lillie Marie, though she was always known as Marie. Sadly, Marie’s mother passed away not long after Marie’s birth. She was then raised by her father and her stepmother, Kathryn (Reichle) Basehoar (Kay). After graduating from Littlestown High School in 1952, Marie attended Central Pennsylvania Business School in Harrisburg and later accepted a job in Jacksonville, Florida.

Marie married the love of her life, Allen Taylor Duncan, on November 20, 1954, at her parents’ home in Gettysburg. Shortly after their wedding, Allen and Marie set out on a cross-country drive in Allen’s car to Ellsworth Air Force Base near Rapid City, South Dakota, where they began their life together. Marie was amazed by the vastness of the country, the brilliance of the stars, the long, straight Midwestern roads, and the beauty of the Lord’s creation. She often recounted her gratitude that Allen’s car made the journey without trouble.

Marie was devoted to supporting her husband and family. With Allen serving as a career Air Force bomber airman, frequently deployed overseas and on training missions, Marie often faced challenges alone. She later reflected that she “had to wing it,” but to her children and friends, she always appeared steady, loving, and capable—providing warmth, safety, and discipline. Regardless of whether they were stationed in South Dakota, Texas, New York, or elsewhere, Marie created a loving home and made the best of every situation, often saying, “It is what it is.”

During the Vietnam War, while her husband served abroad, Marie dedicated many volunteer hours to helping military families through Family Services, earning certificates and awards for her service. After Allen’s military retirement, the couple settled in Gettysburg. Marie worked as an administrative assistant at Alwine Brick Co. before taking a position with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor as an Employment Placement Counselor, where she eventually retired after many years of service. At age 45, Marie became a breast cancer survivor, bravely undergoing thirteen months of intensive chemotherapy, the strength and grace she showed during this period left a lasting impact on her loved ones.

Marie’s faith was central to her life. As a devoted Christian, she served the Presbyterian church in numerous roles, including deacon in two congregations, Sunday school teacher, women’s group leader and participant. Singing in church choirs was a joy for her, and she deeply missed it when health issues prevented her from participating. Marie cherished her church family and valued the visits, calls, and cards she received when she could no longer attend services regularly. The friendships she found at Cross Keys Village provided her with great comfort, especially after Allen’s passing.

Marie is survived by her son, Greg Duncan and his wife, Malia of Amelia Island, FL; her daughter, Kathy Kane and her husband, Brian of Richmond, VA; her four grandchildren: Nicole Duncan, Matthew Kane (Kelly), Kurtis Duncan (Lauren), and Jennifer Kane; a great-grandchild, Theodore Duncan; a sister-in-law Julia Haines and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 69 and a half years; her brother Theron J. Basehoar; and her sister Betty L. Lippy, both of Littlestown, PA.

Marie faced her passing without fear, looking forward to being reunited with her Creator and her beloved Allen. She had a unique gift for making others feel heard and valued, always present for her family and friends. Her warmth, sincerity, resilience, faith, and radiant smile will be fondly remembered. Though deeply missed, her spirit will continue to inspire her family, who will strive to honor her legacy.

Friends and family of Allen and Marie are invited to a combined celebration of life November 22, 2025, at Gettysburg Presbyterian Church.  Visitation will be from 10:00 to 10:45 followed by a celebration of their lives scheduled at 11:00 with a reception to follow.  Private Graveside and Honor Guard services will be observed by the family at Mt Carmel cemetery, Littlestown at 9:00 a.m.  that same day.  In lieu of Flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Gettysburg Presbyterian Church 208 Baltimore St., Gettysburg Pa 17325.

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