Janet E. Duckworth

Janet Elizabeth Duckworth (née Mercurio), 72, of Toledo, Ohio, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2024. Born in Toledo on September 23, 1951, to parents Herb and Mary (Cox) Mercurio, Jan was one of five children.

Jan graduated from Devilbiss High School in 1969 and continued her education at the Toledo Hospital School of Nursing, earning her nursing degree in 1972. She dedicated her life to nursing, working initially as a medical and surgical nurse at The Toledo Hospital. In the late ‘70’s, Jan found her calling in neonatal care and spent 40 rewarding years in the Toledo Children's Hospital NICU. Affectionally known as "Ducky", she made a positive impact on countless infants and their families.

Jan met her future husband Derek in 1967 at the Start Rexall Drug (which later became Drug Corner Pharmacy in 1968.) They married in September of 1972 and settled in Point Place where they raised three sons, the pride and joy of their lives.

Outside of the NICU, Jan cherished the time she spent with her family and especially adored her grandchildren. She was an avid reader of mystery/thriller novels, enjoyed watching cooking shows, Dateline, medical dramas and Notre Dame football.

Jan is survived by her husband of 51 years, Derek; siblings Jon (Cheryl) Mercurio of Sylvania and Jill (Dan) Miller of Wauseon; her sons, Andrew, Ben (Michelle), and Zach (Rachel); her grandchildren, Myles, Norah, Renn and Rory, along with a large extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Herb and Mary Mercurio, and her sisters, Jo Mercurio-Hem and Julie Mercurio-Lorenzen.

Instead of a formal funeral service, the family will hold a private celebration of life in her honor. Any donations can be made to the charity of the individual's choice in her name.

Jan (or “Wannie” to her family and friends) will be deeply missed. Her love extended beyond her immediate and extended family to the many infants she nurtured throughout her career. Jan’s legacy is one of compassion, knowledge, and care.