Orpha A. Durgin

Orpha Durgin of Arlington, VA, passed away on September 10, 2021 surrounded by the love and comfort of family, lifelong friends, and a very good dog. Orpha was a masterful cook, a gardener, a lover of animals, a spirited dancer, a voracious reader and a skillful builder of decks and patios. She loved scooter riding, listening to a wide range of music, the beach, the theater, and entertaining friends in her beautiful home and gardens. Orpha was both a learner and a teacher and managed to strike just the right balance between the two during a teaching career that spanned more than 40 years. She made her students feel safe while pushing them to think critically and to always question. Orpha was committed to justice and equity, as an educator and a human, and instilled those values in her students. She enriched the lives of her students and coworkers in countless ways. After retiring from Yorktown High School in Arlington, VA, Orpha went on to pursue new interests such as pickleball and the ukulele. Orpha was a devoted life partner to her wife and a first class friend to many. She will be remembered for her generosity, sense of humor, optimism and love of life along with her advanced organizational skills and extreme practicality. If one asked Orpha for advice, they would be likely to hear “Shortcuts are nice if you’ve got the time,” or “Let’s see how it all plays out.” Orpha is survived by her loving wife, Lori Goldman, her half-sister Linda MacFarlane and the numerous friends that she also considered her family. After a valiant fight with Pancreatic Cancer, Orpha died in the comfort of her home with the assistance of caring friends and devoted staff at Capital Caring Hospice. Virginia Cancer Specialists provided compassionate care throughout Orpha’s treatment and her family and loved ones are grateful to the staff of both organizations. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Virginia Cancer Specialists (www.VCSCancer Foundation.org); Capital Caring Health Hospice (www.capitalcaring.org) and the Humane Rescue Alliance (www.humanerescuealliance.org.) A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.