Husband Carries On Wife’s Tradition of Kindness

For more than two decades, Amy Duchac used handmade cards to brighten people’s lives.

Whether someone was celebrating a birthday, grieving a loss, battling illness, or simply needing encouragement, Amy found ways to remind them they were loved. Sometimes, she even tucked scratch-off lottery tickets inside for an extra surprise.

Now, months after Amy’s death from cancer, her husband is continuing the tradition she loved most — making sure her kindness keeps reaching mailboxes across the community.

A Life Built Around Caring for Others

Amy and her husband, Perry Duchac, spent 43 years together in Oak Creek. Friends and family say Amy became known not only for her volunteer work, but for the way she consistently made people feel seen and cared for.

“She lived by that motto, just helping people,” Perry said.

Amy was deeply involved in community events for years, including organizing Crime Stoppers and National Night Out activities. In 2011, she was named Oak Creek Citizen of the Year for her volunteer service.

But among family and friends, her handmade cards became one of her most meaningful signatures.

Hundreds of Handmade Cards Every Year

Perry said Amy began making cards with her cousin more than 20 years ago.

Together, they spent an entire week each year crafting personalized cards for birthdays, anniversaries, illnesses, holidays, and difficult moments. Amy reportedly created nearly 500 cards annually using stamps, glitter, decorative paper, and handwritten notes.

“If there was someone who was sick or needed some cheery note, she would send a card saying, ‘I’m thinking of you,’” Perry recalled.

Even after Amy was diagnosed with stage four Müllerian cancer — a rare cancer similar to ovarian cancer — she continued finding ways to encourage others while undergoing years of treatment.

“She was a fighter right till the end,” Perry said.

Amy passed away on Sept. 9, 2025.

Continuing Her Legacy

After Amy’s death, Perry initially wondered if any of her handmade cards remained.

Instead, Amy’s cousin suggested they continue making them together.

Soon, several women from the Oak Creek Community Center joined the effort, helping create roughly 150 new cards while carrying on many of Amy’s favorite traditions — including adding scratch-off lottery tickets inside.

Now, Perry spends the beginning of each month organizing cards, preparing envelopes, and mailing notes to people who may need encouragement.

“I’ve taken on this role and I’m committed to this,” he said.

Kindness That Keeps Living On

Perry says continuing Amy’s tradition has become an important part of his grieving process.

“I feel her presence while I do it,” he explained.

He also says one of the most emotional moments comes when people who thought Amy’s cards had stopped arriving suddenly receive another handwritten note in the mail.

In a world increasingly dominated by quick texts and digital communication, Perry believes simple acts of kindness still matter deeply.

And through every handmade card mailed out, Amy’s mission of helping others continues to live on.