PORTLAND — Julia Dorothy “Duddy” Simoneau Ball, 56, of Portland, died Feb. 14 from injuries sustained in a fire. She was surrounded by loved ones.

Ball was born Dec. 30, 1956, to Eugene and Elaine Farr Simoneau and graduated from Portland High School with honors in 1975.

She was a self employed housekeeper, companion, and confidant. Her clients were truly part of her extended family. She had been with many of “her people” for generations and did special things for them and their pets regularly. One client commented that her dog, Ginger, missed her birthday present. All of her clients were very special to her and are deeply saddened by this tragic loss.

Family and loved ones were of utmost importance to her. She led the way with her common sense, wit, empathy and kindness. She taught forgiveness and compassion among other things. It was her goal in life to make everyone she knew feel special and loved. She was a true friend. Her friends and family could always go to her in times of need. 

Ball  had many talents. She was the family historian and spent hours upon hours researching genealogy. She enjoyed scrap booking, gardening, crossword puzzles, making pieces of art and listening to music. She also threw elaborate themed birthday parties and gatherings. She enjoyed holidays and decorated to the fullest extent for the benefit of children during the holidays. She set a table with care and pride. Every gift was decorated beautifully, perfectly wrapped and donned with bows. The family always gathered at her home for Christmas and many Easter eggs were hidden in her yard.

Ball was a supporter of Friends for Feral Felines. Her adopted cat, Ebony, survived the fire and is with her son Corey.

She was predeceased by her mother, Elaine Farr Simoneau; her father, Eugene Simoneau; and a brother, Eugene Simoneau.

She is survived by her son, Corey Dubay, of Portland; a sister, Renee Wright, of Portland; her brothers, Arthur Simoneau, and his wife, Joanne, of South Carolina, and Tracy Simoneau and his wife, Judy, of Saco. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A memorial Mass was celebrated last Thursday at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Portland Firefighter’s Children’s Burn Foundation, 380 Congress St., Portland, ME 04101.

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