I can't believe that 13 months have gone by. Joel and Daniel, be sure that Anne, the girls and I think of you and of Susan often. I'm posting here the poem I read at the funeral. -John

the call

when we got the call
nobody knew what to do
you were gone
so everyone just kept doing
what they do best: 

one girl baked a cake 
  and decorated it with bright pink roses
one girl told stories, 
  like jokes with no punchline
one girl danced slowly over the floorboards 
  briefly suspending disbelief
and one girl talked on the phone
  of anger and other practical things

for my part, I got on a plane, 
  crossing over an ocean of cold tears, 
and I prayed 

I prayed for the joy of you 
  in the garden that you loved
  so that it would be remembered
and the light of you
  so that your kindness would not be extinguished 
  by old hurts or current tears
and the grief of you 
  that your sudden departure was significant
  for all the history we can never share 
  and for your flower beds sleeping under 
  snow 
  and the spring that you will not greet 

and I prayed, too, for the glory of you
  for such is our hope
  that although all was very much not said
  nor done
  that when the landing gear comes down
  and our journey is safely done 
  we will all wonder through the windows
  at the gently swaying palm trees, 
  and at the white sand beach,
  and beyond, the brilliant, turquoise sea  

Susan, always in our hearts.

Joel and Daniel, I am so very sorry as I had no idea. My condolences and prayers go out to you and to your family. Susan was such an amazing person.

Joel, We were so saddened to hear the news of Susan's passing.  Our memories of her as the valiant leader of the Maurauders are vivid despite so many years having gone by.  May her memory be for a blessing.

It seems like only yesterday that I met Susan in my first days at college.  From the beginning I remember her outgoing personality and her ability to organize and energize people.  I remember some time later when she started dating my good friend Joel, who eventually became her husband (although both Joel and I have puzzled over the years what she saw in him).  Over the years I am grateful that we kept in touch and she remained in my life.  I still regret not making it to Daniel's first communion (suffering with a 103 degree fever).  I am proud to have been in their wedding, and proud that Joel was in mine.  Over the years my family has taken great pleasure when Susan (and Joel and Daniel) would visit our house during one of their east coast adventures.  We also took pleasure in our visits when we would travel to Virginia.  In recent days, I have continued to ponder over what she saw in Joel, and have at least come up that she saw in Joel the man with whom she could create and raise such a wonderful young man as their son Daniel. 

  Sheila, Tess, Dean and Eliza will all miss Susan dearly and consider ourselves extremely lucky to have had her in our life.  

[PS -- Joel and Daniel feel free to criticize my grammar next time we see each other.]

Joel - many years have passed since UVA, but the memories are precious.  Donna and I send our condolences and prayers for you and Daniel. Take care, my friend.  May Susan's memory be a blessing.

Joel - I heard the terrible news today.  Though it has been many years, I still have fond memories of Susan from the Student Watch days.  My condolences to you and your entire family.

The light & love she gave will be greatly missed by all who knew & loved her.

Carol Hollans Pratt (Fairfax, VA)

We are so very sad to hear the news of Susan's passing.   She was our daughter's preschool teacher and then we saw her a few times at local swim meets.   She was a lovely person and we lucky to have known her.    
We will pray for you both during this difficult time.
Bodil, Craig and Emily Lund

My profound condolences to the Durgavich family.  May God continue to hold you in His hands as He uplifts you with His comfort and peace, now and in the days to come.

Joel, Daniel and all of Susan's family, 
Our hearts are broken at your loss. I am unable to find any words that can adequately express what a wonderful light Susan cast on all those she came in contact with. She lived her life by example and she "walked the walk". She had more energy than anyone I know and was always willing to share her enthusiasm. Please know that she made a difference in our lives and that her spirit will continue to influence how we live.  
Bill Amery & Mike Lucas

Susan was a light in all of our lives! I think it helps a little bit to try to remember all of the good times, like my mom's surprise birthday party at Paradise Springs in 2013. Of course, we had to get a shot of the girls in front of the limo that day. 

Love to you, Joel & Daniel. The whole Schab family is here for you.

Dear Joel, Daniel, and family. We were broken-hearted to hear of your loss. Although we only knew her for a very short time, it was immediately clear that hers was a spirit of kindness and inclusivity that you so rarely find today. We hope to honor her spirit by filling the home you built together with love and happiness. Know that you are in our thoughts and that this home is always open to you.

Joel, Daniel: 

I know Anne, Lizzie, Grace and GInna will all agree that Susan will be sorely missed. There was so much of all of our lives, but especially yours, of which I am confident that she was looking forward to sharing in person. I am also confident that God loves her very much, because during her brief life He brought the two of you into it for a blessing. We will remember her for her kindness and genuine interest in the welfare of other people. 

Love, always. 

John, Anne, Lizzie, Grace and Ginna

Dear Joel, Daniel and Family,
On behalf of the Calitri Family, please know how saddened we are at the loss of lovely Susan. Although we did not get to spend much time together, we felt such a warm and loving connection with you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
With love from the Calitris

Joel, Daniel, and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. God be with you at this sad time.
Thoughts and prayers are with you.
God Bless,
Vincent and Mary Wade

We remember Susan as a cute, active little girl on the Overlee team.  It is difficult to understand the death of a child. Our heart and prayers go out to Daniel, Betty, Arpad, Joe and the rest of the family. 
Charles and Lorraine Thompson

Dear Joel and Daniel,
I am sorry for your loss. Susan was a wonderful person and an inspiring example of a life well lived. God bless you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Joel, Daniel, and Family,
I will always remember Susan for her incredible spirit and grace. What a tremendous loss to your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Joel and Daniel,

My heart goes out to you both. I remember all of us strolling along the beach on Captiva Island one beautiful sunny day, how much fun Susan had and how happy she made the rest of us feel. I think about her every time I pass that beach. If it's true we die twice, the day we stop living and the day the last person who knew us dies, I'm sure Susan will live on for a very long time.

If there's anything we can do for either of you just let us know.

With deepest sympathy,

Peter Mouton and your friends at the SRC

Dear Joel,

    Nicole and I are so sorry for your loss.

Dear Joel and Daniel,

Lara and I send our most heartfelt sympathies and deepest condolences. We wish you both strength and comfort in the days ahead.

Dear Joel, Daniel and family: Sending our deepest, heartfelt sympathies to all. Sending thoughts and prayers for strength.

Mr. Durgavich and Daniel - 

We had only gotten to know Mrs. Durgavich over the past year at Corpus Christi and yet we feel like we knew her forever. She was quite simply an amazing person and we are blessed for having crossed her path.  We are praying for you, your family and all her friends.  She was truly a gift and we will miss her so much.

Dear Joel and Daniel,
Your precious wife and mother will be so missed by all.  She exemplified love of God and life. Susan was always fun and full of love for both of you.  She left in her wake a sense of joy. She always had a story to tell of her escapades to make us laugh or just to encourage us. Her willingness to pitch in and help wherever needed will be missed. Her legacy is written on hearts of so many.  May our God of peace hold you close as you go through these days.  Know that we love you and are holding you up before His throne of grace.

In the fall of our freshman year of high school, Susan (Longo) Durgavich came bounding into my life.  We shared classes, interests and friends.  Our relationship took off immediately and we became fast and enduring friends. 

God used Susan to draw me to make the most important decision of my life.  By winter of our freshman year, I became frustrated by the youth group I attended.  Susan had just started attending one at Cherrydale Baptist Church and invited me to join her.  As a result, I came to know Christ as my Savior.  Now we shared our faith, as well as even more friends.

Throughout high school, we shared events, trips, overnights, teachers and so, so much more.  We parted for college but came back together for holidays and summer vacations.  

Not long after college, Susan married an amazing man, Joel Durgavich.  It was my great honor to share in that special day as a bridesmaid.  A few years later we, together with another close friend, shared a work contract together.  The fun we had at "staff meetings" will never be forgotten.  Our contract ended just in time to welcome Joel and Susan's beautiful son, Daniel, into this world.  In the days leading up to Daniel's arrival, we shared hopes and dreams.  She almost went into labor after tripping in the dark at a midday movie.  I was relieved she managed to wait and share that moment with Joel instead.

When Lang came into my life, Susan shared in that too.  I was honored to have her as the matron of honor at my wedding.  The bridal shower she hosted for our friends is an evening Lang and I will never forget.  

Susan and I shared everything.  She was my confidant, my friend, my partner in crime, my sister in faith.  In recent years we grew apart...made new friends, new confidants.  But, like any best friend, our shared lives allowed us to maintain our bond. 

Shortly after Daniel was born, Susan was diagnosed with a heart condition.  She was scared.  I came to cardiology appointments and held Daniel while she met with the doctor.  She had a truly beautiful baby and she wanted to raise him.  She did.  Joel and Susan have raised a truly amazing young man.

On Thursday morning, Susan's heart gave out.  God called her home.  We are left behind.  It is always hardest for those left behind.  Please pray for Joel and Daniel.  And her mom, brother and sister and the rest of the Durgavich/Longo family.

On behalf of Corpus Christi School, I offer our deepest sympathies at the loss of this exemplary wife and mother.The Corpus Christi Community is grieving with you and praying for you. Our school community has lost a wonderful teacher, colleague, and supporter.

On a more personal note, I knew Susan to be always full of life and joy. She was a talented, organized teacher, dedicated and devoted mother, who had a lively sense of humor. I was especially blessed to have her assistance in the classroom during my transition period as interim principal. I will not forget her.

Joel and Daniel, Peggy and I, although now no longer residents there in Brook Hills, very much remember watching you all as you took your walks around the neighborhood.  How lucky we were to know Susan.  She was so positive and full of life and warmth.  And now ... I can see her  taking her walks amongst the clouds and sharing in the love that exists beyond our time here. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this time.

Judy and Peggy Quaely
Orange, VA

Daniel,

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your Dad.  Your Mom was one of my favorite people.  She could just brighten my day by showing up in my classroom with her beautiful smile and a funny story!  She will be missed.  You have my thoughts and prayers always.

Joel and Daniel, 
Be assured of the prayers of the SMS community for you and the repose of the soul of Susan.
She is remembered as a loving, caring and dedicated teacher.
She always had a smile to share.
May her soul rest in peace.

My heart breaks for you and your family Joel and Daniel.  She was amazing, kind and full of love.  May you know in these times of sorrow there are many who stand with you in your grief and love of Susan.

I see others agree that everyone who had the fortune of knowing Susan was blessed.  She will be missed by so many people on so many levels. Her good humor and energy could light up a room and I am sure she inspired many with her cheerful willingness to serve anywhere needed.

I am so sad to here about  Susan. My prayers  go out to her family.  She was such a inspirational person. We will all miss her.

Susan's beaming smile and radiance came from within.  Her kindness, love for others and compassion showed the real beauty from her heart.  She showed true grace and empathy and FUN with all she did and made an impact on those who met her.  I know she has been welcomed into the gates of Heaven with open arms.  Daniel, Joel and scores of friends are left sad and bereft.  She will be deeply missed.

There are few people who can light up a room without even saying a word -- Susan was one of them. One thing I will never forget about her is how PROUD she was of Daniel and how much she loved him. She will be missed terribily by all who had the honour of knowing her.

Daniel and Joel, I am saddened by your loss. Susan was a wonderful, giving person and I enjoyed working with your entire family at the Little Theatre of Alexandria. We had a lot of fun during times when I really needed it. God Bless you both in the coming days.

Dear Joel and Daniel, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Susan had such a caring, beautiful spirit, and touched our family with her kindness and grace, always bringing happiness and joy to us and to our children. We wish you comfort and peace and many happy memories to help you through this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

The Hernandez Family

I keep thinking about Susan's walk with God and what an impact she had on so many lives. She took prayer very seriously and honored every prayer request that she was given.  I am heartbroken to see her gone and hurt for Joel and Daniel but fully trust that God knows what He is doing and He will care for them in His perfect way.    May we all learn from Susan's walk with The Lord and her love of God given life . She will be missed so very much.

Susan was an encouragement to me many years ago when she headed up Mom-to-Mom. She was always so positive and kind.

Dear Joel and Daniel. We are heartbroken for your loss.  Susan touched so many lives, including my family's.  Susan had such a radiant, exuberant, and energetic force. It was impossible not to feel uplifted and all around happier after just a moment of conversation with Susan. Daniel, we share in your anguish over the loss of your wonderful, beautiful mother. Stay strong.  Your beautiful mother is an angel in heaven now.  Our love and prayers, The Vachons

OBITUARIO

Susan Elizabeth Durgavich

14 junio, 1968 – 5 marzo, 2015

Demaine Funeral Home

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