Gwendolyn C. Dukette
Gwendolyn C. Dukette of Ninevah Beach in Sag Harbor died Tuesday, June 7, at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital in Manhattan. She was 88.
Gwendolyn Althea Clower Dukette was born on October 24, 1922, to Andrew Jackson Clower and Frances Marie (née Willis) Clower in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After moving to the New York area with her family, she attended the Wadleigh High School for Girls in Harlem and St. John’s University in Brooklyn.
Upon her college graduation, she worked in Washington D.C. during World War II, where she met her husband William Henry “Duke” Dukette while he was attending Howard University Dental School. They married on December 27, 1945, in New York and had three daughters. In 1952, Dr. and Mrs. Dukette were one of the first African-American families to build a summer home in Sag Harbor.
Later in life, after retiring from the United States Customs Service, she made Sag Harbor her permanent residence. Mrs. Dukette loved traveling the world and loved the beach. She also fostered lifelong friendships through her association with the Links Inc., the Radiants, and Jack and Jill of America.
An ardent Yankees fan and wicked with a crossword puzzle, her thirst for life was evident in her ability to love and give with thoughtful grace, and deeply felt insight, family said. Her keen humor was a constant gift, lifting the lives of those around her with smiles, joy and laughter.
She is survived by her daughters, Sharon Dukette Blum, Linda Diane Dukette, and Ann Marie Dukette; her grandchildren, Niambi D. Dukette and Dr. Jennifer Lynne Blum; her goddaughters, Rhonda Hamilton Carvin and Janice Logue Hill; and her son-in-law, John Jay Blum.
A funeral Mass was held at St. Andrew’s Roman Catholic Church in Sag Harbor on Saturday, June 11, and interment was at Calverton National Cemetery.
on Jun 20, 2011