Danielle "DANI" M. Duggan

Danielle Marie Duggan, “Dani”, of Pembroke, formerly of Middleborough, passed away on Saturday evening, October 15, 2022, in the arms of her loving husband, Gerry Clements, at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston.  She was 56 years old.  After a fierce battle over a two-year period and despite her strong determination, she finally succumbed to the “Emperor of all Maladies”, cancer.  She is now at peace.

From an early age, Dani loved all aspects of drama and theater.  This passion framed the center of her life’s work as an educator, actress, director, and producer of multiple artistic projects here and abroad.

As a 1984 Honors graduate of Middleborough High School, she excelled in the lead role of Anne Frank in the school’s production of The Diary of Anne Frank under the direction of Ellie Osborne.  She also won the title of the Greater Middleboro Junior Miss in that year.

Dani received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fine Arts/Theatre (Honors) from St. Michael’s College in Winooski, Vermont in May of 1988.  She also received the Delta Epsilon Sigma Society Departmental Award for outstanding achievement in Fine Arts.  She often stated these were some of the best four years of her life.  The college’s academic rigor coupled with the outstanding theater program under the direction of the Rathgabs further enhanced her professional skills.  In addition, the friendships she made within the community have remained strong and have sustained her throughout the time of her illness.

After graduation, she moved to Ireland to accept a position at the famed Abbey Theatre in Dublin.  It was here that she met her future husband, Gerry.  She loved the country of Ireland, its people, culture and especially the government’s support for the arts.  She thrived over a period of eight years.  While there, she received a Masters Degree in Modern Drama (Honors) in September 1992 at the University College Dublin.  Following a period of college teaching, she formed Salem Willows Theatre Company and produced many outstanding performances.

Returning to the United States, Dani and Gerry settled in the town of Pembroke.  She accepted the position of Drama teacher at Middleborough High School and eventually Fine Arts Department Chair.  She remained a member of the faculty for over 24 years.  In addition to her teaching, she also directed the Speech & Theater workshop, directed several plays, supervised That’s Entertainment and created The Black and Purple Ball.  Dani worked tirelessly on the new school project and was instrumental in the design of the new MHS Performing Arts center and Blackbox theater.

However, it was Dani’s direct work with students that fueled her fire. She loved them.  They were her children.  Although small in stature, she was a force to be reckoned with!  She advocated for high standards and the rights for all.  She believed in teaching the whole child and supported them as needed.  Her blackbox was a safe haven.

Dani’s impact was also felt in community wide projects.  She directed several productions with the Plymouth Community Theatre and created the Plymouth on the Rock series.

In addition to her husband, she leaves behind her loving mother and best friend, Jeannine Brayman of Plymouth and her step-father, Glenn Brayman; brother Chip Washburn of Dalton, his wife Marissa and children Alexana, Braylen, Vanessa and Jaidyn; step-brother Michael Brayman, wife Elisha, children Lily, Max and Willow; her favorite aunt, Lorraine Schmegner and husband, Edmund of Centerville; cousins Wendy Dubuc of Brussels, Belgium and Katie Fitzgerald and husband, Scott of Norwell; as well as extended family and friends in Ireland.

Calling hours will be held at the Ashley Funeral Home, 35 Oak Street, Middleborough, on Saturday, October 22, 2022 from 1:00-5:00 PM.  All are welcome.

Funeral and interment services are private.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:  Dani Duggan Performing Arts Scholarship Fund, Rockland Trust, 1 Pilgrim Hill Road, Plymouth, MA 02360

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