Dorothy Durkin

Dorothy L. Durkin, age 99, passed away Wednesday afternoon, February 20, 2013 at MedCentral Mansfield Hospital. She was born September 21, 1913 in Mansfield to the late John and Nellie (Kisling) Fuhrer.

Dorothy was a hardworking lady and was a wonderful neighbor to those around her. She enjoyed mushroom hunting, auctions and crocheting in her spare time. She was an area homemaker her entire life and was fastidious in her housekeeping. Dorothy’s faith was very important to her and she was the oldest member of the Illinois Avenue Apostolic Christian Church. She enjoyed wintering in Florida.

She is survived by three children who all had the great privilege of taking care of Dorothy in the last months and days of her life, Marlene J. Durkin of Mansfield, Judith Custer of St. Louis, MO and Richard (Evie) Durkin of Huron; nine grandchildren, Rick, Tim, Jaimee, Joe, Rob, Pam, Steve, Beth and Annie; eight great-grandchildren, Hilaree, Emily, Casey, Tanner, Gage, Alana, Lexy and Abi; one great-great grandson, Michael; a son-in-law, Robert Fidler of Huron, OH; and a host of nieces, nephews and other dear relatives. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Durkin in 1975; daughter, Gloria Fidler; brother, John Fuhrer; sisters, Martha Cordrey, Mabel Banks, Kathryn Morrison, Mary Mae Bocka, Gladys Texter and Ruth Young; and a son-in-law, Ted Custer.

Her grandchildren wish to pass along this special message to their grandmother:

“We find ourselves wanting to say so many things to you, but most of them you have already heard, and already know. You know how much we love you, and you know how much you mean to us all. But what you might not know is how strongly we always feel your presence; how often we hear your voice; how many times your gentle wisdom and prayers have helped steer us on the right path. You might not know that your experiences live on not just in your memories, but in all of our memories too. Your stories are part of our story. Your stories have enriched our imaginations and helped us to tell our own stories, so that they will live on, too, from generation to generation. There are no words to express our gratitude for all you have given us and prayed for us. We hold you in our hearts, each and every day, as do your great-grandchildren. Every time one of us puts forth our best effort, we are expressing the values and faith you helped instill in us, to help shape our lives. We hear your voice, we are inspired by your stories, and we live your values. Dearest Grandma, you are a part of our lives, each and every moment of each and every day and will be always. We love you so much!”

Family and friends may visit from 1-8 p.m. Sunday, February 24, 2013 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd., Ontario. A funeral service will be held Monday at 10:30 a.m. at the Apostolic Christian Church with additional visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Lantz Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Apostolic Christian Church, 84 N. Illinois Avenue, Mansfield, OH 44905; MedCentral Hospice, 335 Glessner Avenue, Mansfield, OH 44903; or Smile Train, PO Box 96231, Washington, D.C. 20090-6231.