Donna Diane Durham

Donna Diane Durham was taken from us unexpectedly on December 22, 2007, at the age of 54. Donna was born on January 28th 1953 in Denver, Colo.

She moved to Modesto, Calif. with her parents and siblings in 1957. She was the 3rd oldest of ten children. She attended St. Stanislaus School, Modesto High School and Modesto Jr. College. She received her BA in Child Development from Chico State.

Her occupation was focused on the needs of children. Her jobs included Migrant Education, CETA in Modoc County. She was employed as the Modesto Jr. College Child Development Center Specialist and Director for 17 years. In March of 2003 she relocated to Gardnerville, Nevada and was employed by the Children's Cabinet of Carson City. Her current employment was with the State of Nevada Children & Family Services as a Child Care Development Specialist.

Her interests were her passion that enriched her life. Her love of nature extended throughout her home. She was an avid hiker, camper, birdwatcher & fisherwoman. She was a passionate reader. She loved her music and attending concerts. Her friends were family to her. She had a heart of gold and would share many weekends cooking and entertaining with friends and family. Every gathering was a party when Donna was present.

The surviving family members include her parents Harry and Theresa Durham, her siblings Barbara Willard of Modesto, Carl Durham of Roswell, N.M., Ester Durham and Francis Durham of Modesto, Gail Durham of Gardnerville, Howard Durham of Cambodia, Irene Britto of Stockton, and James Durham of Modesto

She is also survived by 7 nieces, 2 nephews and numerous great nieces and great nephews.

She was preceded in death by her brother Kevin.

She was a member of various organizations such as the Sierra Club, the Audubon Society, the Mono Lake Committee & the National Association of Education for Young Children. The family request all donations be made in her honor to these organizations or one of your choice in lieu of flowers.

A celebration of her life will be held in Modesto, on January 26th 2008. Place & time to be announced later.

Walton's Douglas County Mortuary has been entrusted with her final arrangements.

For additional info you can email Barbara Willard at barbfred49@juno.com