Rose Louise Durkin

Obituary Rose L. Durkin "I have fought the good fight I have finished the course I have kept the faith." Rose Lorraine Durkin passed away peacefully in the arms of her family on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 after a long and productive life. Lorraine was born in Newark, New Jersey on February 9, 1920 to Edward P. and Rose Cecelia Gaffney. She grew up in Cranford, NJ, graduated as the valedictorian of her high school class at Holy Trinity High School. At a time when not many women went to college, she earned a scholarship to Good Counsel College in White Plains, NY. She graduated with a degree in education and taught high school prior to and during the early years of her marriage. Later in life, she returned to school, earning a Master's degree in guidance and counseling, and she taught 8th grade for many years at Assumption School in Seattle. Lorraine married John Joseph Durkin, her high school sweetheart, when he returned home from service in the Army Air Corps during World War II. They remained married for 53 years until John's death in 1998, and had seven children, four of whom are still living. In 1958, they moved from the east coast to Seattle where they lived happily for the next 40 years. Lorraine lived a life of strength, intelligence, hard work, dignity and grace all derived from the values of her Catholic faith. She was a gentle, kind, generous and caring person who loved her husband and family above all else. She overcame adversity with a faith filled acceptance and quiet dignity which served her well as she traveled the last years of her life with the burden of dementia. Mom taught us all by example how to lead an uncompromisingly virtuous life. She maintained high standards in all that she attempted and expected the same from her children. She was an excellent seamstress, had a tremendous love of reading, and enjoyed traveling with her husband and collecting antique spoons. She was also a life long volunteer at Assumption Church in Seattle. She required much from her students, but she gave to them her whole hearted devotion and her passion for learning. Lorraine is survived by her brother, Rev. E.M. Gaffney, O.P., her sisters-in-law Margaret and Kathryn Durkin, as well as her children: Maryjane (Harold) Myers, Denise (Frank) Ladenburg, Edward (Cora Lee) Durkin and John (Didi) Durkin, as well as her 18 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband John, and three other children: John Edward, Sharon Rose, and Lorraine Margaret. The family wishes to thank Dr. Paul Schneider for his compassionate and understanding care of our mother over the past 8 years. We are also extremely grateful to the current and former caretakers at Hearthside Manor for their kind and loving care of our mother for the past five years. Finally, with love our family acknowledges the steadfast devotion and kindness of her primary caregiver and friend, Cathy. Cathy became a member of our family as she unselfishly gave so much of her time and love to help Lorraine navigate the slow decline of dementia with joy, friendship, and a helping hand. With Cathy's wonderful assistance, our mother was never alone. The Vigil service will be held on Sunday evening, April 9,, 2006 at the Gaffney Mortuary at 7 pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Charles Borromeo Parish on Monday, April 10, 2006 at 11 am with interment to follow the funeral reception at Calvary Cemetery in Seattle. Condolences may be left online at www.gaffneyfuneralhome.com . In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in Lorraine's memory be made to the John and Lorraine Durkin Memorial Fund for scholarships at Assumption ? St. Bridget School at 6220 32nd Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home. (253) 572-6003