Linda Pauline Durant

Linda was born on September 20, 1941, in Alliance, Ohio, to Thomas D. and Irene Farmer. Her early life was filled with reading, playing the clarinet, fishing with her father and spending time with family and friends. After graduating from Alliance High School, Linda attended Miami University and graduated with a degree in English. She then attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and earned a Masters degree in English. While in Madison, Linda met another graduate student, Ron Durant, who would become her future husband. Linda married Ron in 1965 and they resided in the Washington D.C. area. In 1966, Linda and Ron’s first child, Tom, was born. After moving to Dearborn, Michigan, daughters Kathy and Maureen were born. In 1975, the family moved to New Jersey and then to Houston in 1977.

Not long after moving to Houston, Linda became a dedicated volunteer for Memorial City Hospital and continued to do so each Tuesday until 2010. She loved her volunteer work and made many dear friends during her time there. Linda loved antiques and would take regular trips to Round Top, Texas and Fredericksburg, Texas with Ron to find antiques to fill her home. Linda was an avid reader and gardener, however, her biggest passion was her family. She shared her love of reading with her children and grandchildren, taking all to the library frequently to explore and find great books. She also shared her love of music with her family and was thrilled when her oldest granddaughter, Hannah, began to play the flute and her grandson, Johnny, began to play the drums. She always went out of her way to make holidays and birthdays special for her family, one time using her keen sense of humor to write a rap song that she sang during her grandson’s birthday party. She was an amazing cook and baker and loved cooking for her family. Linda was a strong Christian and enjoyed attending Bible Study with her friends. Linda had a passion for traveling and sightseeing and shared this with her children as well as her grandchildren, providing countless educational experiences for them. There were many memorable summer vacations with her husband and children as well as her oldest grandchildren, Hannah and Johnny. These trips created many fond and sometimes funny memories. Linda and her husband also took yearly trips to Europe after his retirement which brought her much joy.

Linda was preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years, Ron Durant. She is survived by her son, Thomas Durant (Laura) of Houston, daughters Katherine Nevarez (Johnny) of Houston, Maureen Durant of Richmond, Texas; grandchildren Hannah, Johnny, Ryan, Troy, Priscilla, Abbey and her beloved dog, Happy. Linda was a loving, kind and thoughtful wife, mother, grandmother, friend and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. The family is grateful to Ella, Linda’s caregiver, for providing companionship to Linda after losing her dear husband. Linda enjoyed her long talks with Ella and laughing with her. The family also wants to thank Pauli, Linda’s trainer, who kept her going physically and mentally. Linda frequently shared about the thoughtful conversations she had with Pauli regarding current events and anything of interest. Arrangements are being handled through Memorial Oaks. The burial will be private. A public memorial mass will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, kindly make a donation to the Houston Methodist Transplant Center.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialoaksfunerals.com for the Durant family.