Legacies of Oakcrest Trustees

Debbie Duffy and Helena Metzger

Much of Oakcrest's legacy is rooted in the prayers and generosity of these two women, Debbie Duffy and Helena Metzger. It is with deep gratitude that we remember their commitment to Oakcrest School.

The Legacies of Debbie Duffy and Helena Metzger

Debbie Duffy

On December 4, 2014 we lost a dear and devoted member of the Oakcrest Family, Mrs. Debbie Duffy. Mrs. Duffy died peacefully in her home in New Canaan, Connecticut. She left behind her husband, Mr. Joseph Duffy, daughter, Mrs. Mary Ellen Kranzlin, five grandchildren and an unparalleled legacy of philanthropy and faith.

Debbie loved Oakcrest as her own. Since the school's earliest years, Debbie gave heroically of her time, talent, and treasure, and she asked for nothing in return -- only that the school continue to live out the Oakcrest mission of honoring and nurturing each of its students as a "trustee of humanity".

Her role in the Oakcrest story has been pivotal, but always off-stage, behind the scenes. Wise, patient, and extraordinarily unassuming, Debbie served on the Oakcrest Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees, helping to guide Oakcrest to its McLean campus and to its beautiful, permanent home in Vienna. Debbie brought her expertise as an educator, mother, and person of deep faith to this mission, and all that we have and will ever accomplish can find its roots in her commitment to the school.

Debbie took great joy in hearing both the headlines and details about the life of the school. Dr. Mary T. Ortiz, Head of School, had the pleasure of visiting her twice in the two years before her death to tell her about life at Oakcrest and provide an update on the new campus, which opened in 2017. Debbie was very moved to see the beautiful embroidered pall with Our Lady of Oakcrest on it that we use for special Masses, and she was delighted to see photos of the girls.

A Tribute To Debbie Duffy

Helena Metzger

Helena was born, raised and educated in New York City. She graduated from Fordham University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1956, and went on to earn a Masters in Guidance and Student Personnel Administration Columbia University Teachers College in 1958.

Helena taught in the New York City school system from 1956 to 1958 before moving to Alexandria, VA, where she taught from 1958 to 1961. Helena was married to Eugene Metzger in 1958, and together they raised their two children, Bennett and Mary Louise. For many years, Helena entertained the bank presidents and CEOs whom Eugene represented in his law practice. Eugene passed away in 1996.

Beginning in 1994, Helena served as the Executive Consultant of the Catholic Information Center and on the Board of Directors for three terms. She continued to work weekly at the Center, training volunteers and surveying new publications for accurate content.

From 2010 to 2015, Helena served on the Board of Directors at the Foundation for Social and Cultural Advancement, an organization which funds the educational development of women in over 9 countries.

Helena has been associated with Oakcrest since its beginnings. She served several terms on the Board of Directors, and served on the Board of Trustees until her passing. Her daughter, Mary Louise, graduated from Oakcrest in 1983 and her granddaughter, Lena, was a member of the Class of 2020.