Obituary of Mary M. Durgin

Mary Margaret (Midge) Durgin, 92, passed away peacefully at home on February 13, 2025, after a full and happy life. She is predeceased by her loving and devoted husband of 57 years, Charles L. Durgin; parents, Catherine (Selner) and James Heher; her brother, James Heher; sister-in-law, Marion Hanscom and nephew, Peter Hanscom. Above all else, Mary lived for her family. She is survived by her eight children and their families: Charles Durgin and wife, Kathleen McDonald, Annapolis, MD; David Durgin and wife, Christina, Hillcrest, NY; Kathleen Durgin, Attleboro, MA; Diane Durgin and husband, Dennis Sullivan, Binghamton, NY; Susan Ferguson and husband, Jeff, Holliston, MA; Marcia Durgin and husband, Paul Rizzo, Doylestown, PA; Daniel Durgin and wife, Patricia; Baltimore, MD; and Lynn Durgin, Doylestown, PA. Mary, affectionately called "Mimi," is also survived by 17 loving grandchildren: Alison Judy; Christopher Durgin; Erica and husband, Daniel Ryan; Erin and husband, Daniel Cremens; Andrew and Kristina Mueller, Rebecca, and husband, Todd Letendre; Jayson Kamen and wife, Brianna; Elan Kamen; Ayla Kamen and fiance, Josh Starkey; Timothy and Matthew Ferguson; Adelyne and Mei Peng Rizzo; Lione and Mary Durgin; and Clara Brems. She was also blessed to have nine adoring great grandchildren: Margot, Jack, and Cecelia Judy; Callum Cremens; Cruz and Shae Kamen; Noor, MaMood, and Hamidda Bibi Kamen. She is also survived by her cousin, John Heher; her niece, Carol Hanscom, her husband, Tom Kremer, and their son, Peter; and niece, Elizabeth Smith, and her children, Ethan, Elissa, and Elliott. Mary was a graduate of St. Patrick's Academy (1950) and earned her RN degree at Wilson Memorial Hospital School of Nursing (1953). Soon thereafter, she and Charles married and began their family. Mary's life was marked by a deep sense of service to others and to her community. This was expressed through her nursing vocation, caring for family, friends and neighbors, and active volunteerism. She enjoyed devoting her time to the Samaritan House of Binghamton, Friends of the Library, the Preservation Association of the Southern Tier, and Meals on Wheels, among other charitable and social service organizations. With her keen sense of humor, joyous spirit and deep empathy, she made friends easily and formed lasting bonds. Virtually everyone who knew Mary admired her and held her in the highest regard. Growing up in a household with Irish grandparents, Mary had a deep connection to her Irish roots and enjoyed exploring her family's genealogy. She was an avid reader who was curious about the world, and an ardent supporter of the arts and environmental conservation efforts in the area. Mary and Charles were longstanding members of the Oquaga Lake Sailing Club. Her favorite pastimes included cooking, gardening, yoga, bird watching and puzzling. All who knew her will miss her tremendously. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by The Rev. Msgr. John P. Putano, Pastor of St. Patrick's Church, at 11 am on Friday, February 21. The family will receive friends prior to the Mass, from 9:30 to 10:45 am. A private burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family of Mary Durgin will host a gathering celebrating her life later in the afternoon. Details to be announced at the conclusion of the Mass. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in memory of Mary may be made to the Preservation Association of the Southern Tier (PAST), 21 N. Depot Street, No. 1E, Binghamton, NY 13901. The Mass will be live streamed at www.sta-sp.org