Artist Virginia Kemper Bish Duffey was proud of her Western Pennsylvania heritage. With a great-grandfather who fought in the Civil War, to a rich family history in the region, she was never shy about calling Western Pennsylvania home.

"She had deep roots here," said Michael May, Mrs. Duffey's godson. "I would definitely count her as one of the inspirations of my life."

Mrs. Duffey, of Butler, died last Thursday. She was 87.

Born July 7, 1920 in Butler, she graduated with honors in 1938 from Butler High School. She also was a graduate of Butler Business College and of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.

Mrs. Duffey turned down an apprenticeship with an elite designer in the Garment District of New York City to remain in Butler.

"She decided not to go because it was too far away," said her daughter, Dr. Ginney Duffey, of Butler. "She was all about family, and she didn't want to be so far away from hers at that time."

Mrs. Duffey was an exceptional artist in both clothing design and water color.

"She did all kinds of beautiful pieces," Dr. Duffey said. "She was a wonderful artist. She has a wonderful piece called 'The Blessed Mother and Jesus,' which is just exceptional."

Mrs. Duffey never had her artwork displayed publicly.

"She was very private about it," her daughter said.

Mr. May said his godmother encouraged his interest in art when he was young, and he will always be thankful for that.

"Later, I went on to write about art, and I still do," he said.

Mrs. Duffey also taught him about antiques.

"She had a great sense of style and decorating," he said.

Mr. May said he has no doubt that if his godmother had chosen to accept that apprenticeship in New York City, she could have gone on to become a world-famous fashion designer.

Mrs. Duffey was employed by the Signal Corps in Washington, D.C., during World War II and later worked in the display advertising department at the Butler Eagle newspaper in Butler.

She also had an interest in helping animals, volunteering at several local shelters.

"She just loved animals," Dr. Duffey said. "We always had a lot of animals growing up and she helped with a lot of rescues. She was at every shelter. She always believed in helping. She had a tremendous love for them, especially the injured or abused ones."

Family also was important to her, Dr. Duffey said.

"She was so giving and so selfless," her daughter said. "She raised me to be that kind of person -- loving, kind and able to push through all kinds of adversity."

Dr. Duffey said her mother was the epitome of class, grace and elegance and taught her many life lessons that will stay with her.

"She was always my inspiration," Dr. Duffey said. "She always will be."

Mrs. Duffey was a member of St. Peter Church and St. Peter Women's Council in Butler. She served on the board of directors for the Butler YWCA and was a member of the Butler Intermediate League, Republican Women and League of Women Voters.

In addition to her daughter and godson, she is survived by a sister, Ethel Hammond, of Denton, Md.; and two grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her second husband, John. B. Duffey III, and her first husband, Howard Bish.

A Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Peter Church. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery, with a reception afterward in the church social hall.