Obituary of Denyce Duncan Lacy

Denyce Duncan Lacy passed away Dec. 3, 2022, surrounded by her family, after a short illness. She was born in Aberdeen, Maryland, to Lt. Col. Conrad and Audrey Duncan. A vivacious, bright and curious child, she made friends wherever in the world her family lived as part of her father’s U.S. Army service. She retained many of those friendships throughout her life. She was a talented artist. Denyce created beautiful oil paintings and watercolor masterpieces.

Denyce graduated from Midwood High School, in Brooklyn, New York, in the 11^th grade, foregoing her senior year after early acceptance to New York University. She attended NYU and graduated magna cum laude from the University at Albany with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and a minor in rhetoric and communication. She received her master’s degree in communications from SUNY Albany in 1996.

Denyce began her communications career as an undergrad, first as a disc jockey for SUNY Albany’s radio station, then as a newscaster for WOKO radio.

After graduation, Denyce married Thomas C. Lacy and began making a wonderful life with him, rehabbing historic homes, traveling together, enjoying time with family and friends, and raising their beloved daughters. 

She was a dynamic leader who set high expectations for herself and always led by example. Highlights of her many subsequent professional roles include working: as a reporter for WROW radio station; as television reporter, producer and anchor for News 10 ABC-Albany; as Director of Communications for the New York State Civil Service Commission; as the Public Information Officer for the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation; and as the Director of Public Relations at the Public Employees Federation.

Denyce was active in the Albany Chapter of The Girl Friends, Inc., where she was a past president, and most recently, vice chairwoman of the Albany Girl Friends Community Fund.  She was also very active with the Albany (NY) District Chapter of the Links, Inc., most recently as the organization’s treasurer and serving on numerous committees. In these organizations, her never-ending energy, love of people, and commitment to doing good works for those in need shined. Within these two groups, Denyce formed many enduring friendships.

Always willing to lend a sympathetic ear, give advice, or a helping hand, Denyce was a loyal friend and mentor to many. She loved hosting Links, Girl Friends, family and friends, at parties and lit up the room upon arrival. She had a knack for making sure guests had fun and felt cared for, and she was always up on the latest line dances.

She loved traveling, visiting with family and friends, and especially gathering with her large, extended family, often on a beach.  Her greatest love was for her family, and close friends; being near them made her heart sing.

She was predeceased by her parents and brother Michael Duncan. Left to cherish her memory are her beloved husband of 43 years Thomas; daughters April (Marcus) Barnes, Scheherazade (Colin) Poole and Audrey Lelia Lacy; sisters Patricia (Rod) Holliday and Leslie (Kevin) Fottrell; sisters-in-law Elizabeth Claudio and Rebecca Duncan; grandsons Jeremy (Derrica) Canty II, and Marcus Barnes; and great-grandson Jeremy Canty III. Denyce’s memory will also be cherished by special family friend Lt. Col. William Harrison and a host of loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

The funeral services were private. Those wishing to do so, may make a donation in Denyce’s honor to the “Albany Girl Friends Community Fund,” a 501(c)(3) organization. The address is: Albany Girl Friends Community Fund, P.O. Box 11472, Loudonville, NY 12211.