Audrey Elizabeth Durkin

Audrey was born in Dubuque, Iowa and grew up alongside her sisters Cookie (Anita) and Babe (Arline). Although she didn’t initially get a cool nickname like her sisters, she would go on to be called many things by the many people that loved her: Mom, Ma!, Audie, Auris, Mrs. Durkin, Grams, Grandma, Grandma-ma, Great Grandma, the list goes on.

After college, Audrey ventured south to Puerto Rico where she taught at Fort Buchanan Army Base. While it was her intention to pursue her love for teaching, ultimately, she found a love for something (or, rather, someone) else: Joe Durkin. Married on August 10th, 1957, Audrey and Joe were the perfect complement for one another throughout their 61 years of marriage. They went on to have six children and ten grandchildren.

After stops in Connecticut and New Jersey, Audrey and Joe finally put down roots in East Lansing. For decades, their home “1003” has been bursting at the seams with family, friends or whoever decided to stop by – all thanks to Audrey’s unmatched ability to foster a welcoming, and occasionally rambunctious, environment. At any given moment in time there could be a full-tilt football game in the backyard, 20 people crowded around a six person dining table, a brutally competitive Easter egg hunt, three medium to large size dogs, or a one-year-old great-grandchild who travelled 500 miles to meet the best great-grandma anyone could ask for. Through all the chaos there was always one thing that remained constant: the patient, understanding and steadfast Audrey Durkin.

Perhaps what gave her this strength was her unwavering commitment to faith. She chose to maintain her association with the Methodist Church while raising her family in Catholicism. Her family believes the Sunday services at UUMC provided her with a moment of peace each week. In other words: it gave her the much-needed, well-deserved opportunity to get away for an hour and a half.

On the very rare occasion she sat down for a moment, Audrey loved gardening, catching up on Wheel of Fortune and a Spartan win. Actually, she probably wouldn’t even be sitting down for the last one. She never missed a birthday card, always signed with a smiley face (with bangs). Her love for the people in her life was evident; whether you were family or friend you were cared for, and you felt it.

Audrey was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph P. Durkin. She was also preceded by her parents, Evelyn Frances Ayala and Arturo A. Ayala, her sisters, Anita Strong (Walt) and Arline Duty (Dick) and her son-in-law, James Maroney.

Audrey is survived by her children: Kevin Durkin (Sherrie Medved) of Lansing, MI; Katie Kirst (Tom) of Madison, WI; Brendan Durkin of East Lansing, MI; Tim Durkin (Liz) of Belmont, MI; Maureen Gross (Curt) of Butler, PA; and Colleen Maroney of Chicago, IL. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Emily Durkin, Jordan Durkin (Amanda), Ashley Pelletier (Patrick), Patrick Kirst (Laura Hanley), Alyssa Durkin (Ben Carruthers), Alex Durkin, Natalie Kirst, Mark Gross (Annie), Sam Gross, and Heidi Gross. Audrey's legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Amaya Guyton, Emily Maroney, Blaine Durkin, Harper Durkin, Mason Pelletier, Bella Pelletier, and Kennedy Pelletier.

Audrey's love and caring nature touched the lives of many, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of love, faith, and service will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.

A visitation for Audrey will be held Tuesday, June 3, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 East Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823. A memorial service will occur Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 2:00 PM at University United Methodist, 1120 S Harrison Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823. In lieu of flowers, memorials should be made to Ele’s Place (elesplace.org/branch-locations/capital-region) or the Capital Area Humane Society (www.cahs-lansing.org)