Elizabeth Olive Durack

78 years old, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at her side in Pottstown, PA on May 10, 2023. Born in Ireland in 1944, Liz grew up in Feakle, Co Clare, a small village in the West of Ireland. Liz was the first of 4 children of Mary and Patie Durack. Liz emigrated to America under the care of her aunt and uncle, Mary and Martin McCans, in 1959. She lived with them in a small 2 bedroom apartment along with their youngest daughter, 11 yr old Maureen in Drexel Hill, Pa. Liz and Maureen bonded together like sisters.

Liz attended the local Catholic High School in Upper Darby, Pa: Archbishop Prendergast High School There she blossomed and developed life-long friends: Elizabeth (Ricki) Hobdell and Mary Ann (Federal) McGarigle. After high school Liz attended business classes at St Joseph's University, while working in the family business: Durack Mfg Co Athletics in Phila, Pa. This T-shirt printing business was founded by Martin and Mary McCans in the 1940's. The two older McCans children Bill and Betty were seeded into the business. Hard work was instilled in everyone at a young age. They all worked after school, summers and most holidays at Durack.

Liz learned her amazing work ethic through the business which would last a lifetime. She developed people skills dealing with the public. Customers loved her. She approached every task with pride and dedication.

Liz was very family oriented. She never forgot her family in Ireland. It was the highlight of her year to plan her annual visits home during Christmas and New Years for several weeks. Liz always came back completely reinvigorated -Full of love, life and stories of Ireland and a beautiful soft Irish accent.

Liz had a remarkable facility to make people feel valued and acknowledged in her presence. Liz would tell you like it is and also believed in wearing a person down with kindness. Liz was most generous with her time spent helping people in need. Her love for family both here and in Ireland was boundless.

Liz was passionate about her sports. She was a season ticket holder for the Philadelphia Flyers for many years. Next was her beloved Philadelphia Eagles. She looked forward to her game day Pottstown, Pa. It was a feast of NFL games with Italian hoagies topped with a glass of wine with a large ice cube. She also appreciated the camaraderie and Irish music at the Commodore Barry Club.

Liz also enjoyed the casinos in Atlantic City. Liz loved to take an evening off and get a room complements of Resorts or Mr.Trump. Free room and a free breakfast the next morning before heading back to work in Philadelphia.

Liz loved to entertain family and friends. She was a gracious hostess. Liz's roast beef dinner and mashed potatoes were legendary. Liz was always in charge of the potatoes. Liz loved to kick up her heels with Irish dancing at home.

With the passing of Martin, Mary and brother Bill and sister Betty, Liz and Maureen carried on running "Durack" together from 1987 until the business was sold in 2010. It was rough physically but they managed to do it. Liz was the CEO, brother- in-law Bill Piercy was CFO and Maureen was COO.

Retirement for Liz was short lived. Liz with her excellent work ethic and desire to be busy accidentally walked into another job. She became a part time secretary for Burnside Plumbing in Berwyn, Pa. Liz felt right at home in the small business. Liz worked there for 12 years until her retirement in 2021.

She is deeply missed by her family, friends and all who knew her. Her absence leaves a void that can never be filled but her memory will always be a source of comfort.

Liz is survived by her brother Seamus, sister Bridget, cousin and honorary sister Maureen, sister-in-law Ann, god-daughter Jennifer, nieces, nephews, many relatives and friends. She is predeceased by her parents Mary and Patie Durack, sister Maura and brother-in-law Mike both of whom passed away last year.

Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.

May Liz rest in peace.

Visitation and Mass will be held November 4, 2023 at St Isaac Jogues Church 50 W. Walker Road Wayne, Pa. Internment is at Valley Forge Memorial Gardens.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AllevaFuneralHome.com for the Durack Family