Carmella Rose McDuffie

Carmella Rose McDuffie passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in Temple, Texas, at the age of 98. She was born on September 27, 1928, in Clyde, New York.

Known as “Dolly” as a child because she looked like a doll, Carmella carried with her a deep love for her Italian roots throughout her life. She graduated from high school and went on to work as a secretary after graduation. In time, she moved back to Texas after marriage and raised two children. For many years, she worked in day care in Arlington, Texas, offering care and attention to children and families there. She retired at the age of 62.

A meaningful chapter of her life began when she met her husband, Paul Edward McDuffie, while he was serving as a Sergeant in the Air Force at Sampson Air Force Base. Over the years, Carmella lived in upstate New York, and after retiring she moved back to Rochester, New York, where she remained near her family for many years. In 2009, she returned to Texas to be closer to her daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Carmella will be remembered with special affection for her cooking, especially her homemade Italian food. Her meatballs and ravioli became beloved family traditions and earned her the nickname “Grandma Ravioli.” Her grandchildren wanted to learn how to make her homemade meatballs and ravioli, and that tradition continued every Christmas Eve, creating memories that will remain a lasting part of her family’s life.

She is survived by her daughter, Tanya Cannon, and Tanya’s husband, David Cannon, of Temple, Texas; her sister Joy Wilson and her brother Ronnie Cipriano, both of Rochester, New York; her grandson Eric Cannon and his wife, Tessa, of Austin, Texas; her granddaughter Heather Moseley and her husband, James, of Tomball, Texas; and her great-grandsons J Moseley, Cooper Moseley, and Anderson Moseley, all of Tomball, Texas. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Edward McDuffie; her son, Stephen Paul McDuffie; her father, Santo Cipriano; her mother, Margaret Cipriano; and her siblings Vivian Cipriano, Alvin Cipriano, Florence DeLeo, Margie Hennessey, and Ginny Compitello.

Carmella’s life was marked by devotion to family, pride in her heritage, and the warmth she shared around her table. She leaves behind a family enriched by her love, her traditions, and the enduring example of a life well lived.

Services are pending. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Sabrina Young at Young's Daughters Funeral Home and Bereavement Center in Temple, TX