Donna Joan Durham
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Donna Joan Durham (aka Nana, Great Nana and MommaDonna), 86 of Elkhart, passed into
Heaven on Tuesday evening, February 22, 2022 at home with family by her side.
Donna was born in Ogelsby, IL on November 25, 1935, the youngest of four children, to the late
Joseph and Helen (Machaliak) Donatt. On June 8, 1957 she married Dr. Thomas Durham who
preceded her in death on September 27, 2021. Also preceding her in death were her sisters,
Lillian (Donatt) Burton and Helen Mae (Donatt) Alleman and Brother, Donald Donatt.
Donna is survived by her six children: Dr. Timothy (Janet) Durham, Denise (Kent) Etchison,
Daniel (Karen) Durham, Todd (Jane) Durham, Ted Durham, and David (Lenitra) Durham.
Seventeen grandchildren: Patrick (Jenn), Kara (Sawyer) Hankins and Kevin Durham; Amanda
Etchison; Allison, Katherine and Samantha Durham; TJ, Suzanne, Scott and Cazarina Durham;
Parker, Ryan Lynn, Mitchell and Evan Durham (mother Shelley Kruggel); Xavier and Xander
Durham. And two great grandchildren: Hazel and Gray Hankins.
Donna earned her LPN from St. Mary's School of Nursing in LaSalle, IL in 1955. She and
Thomas moved to Elkhart in 1963 where they built a wonderful life for their family. Donna was
the emotional leader of the Durham family, always cheering on her children, instilling them with
great confidence. She enjoyed hosting elaborate birthday and holiday dinners and loved
attending mass at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, where she was a Eucharistic
Minister and member of the Choir, Rosary Society and Prayer Groups. Donna was a dedicated
Pro-Life advocate. She delivered for Meals on Wheels to the homebound and tutored adults
working toward their GED in Sr. Virginia's class at St. Vincent Catholic Church. She was a
member of the Elks and Moose. She enjoyed tennis and golf with Tom and their friends,
traveling, and snow skiing with her family. She loved dark chocolate and its health benefits.
The family especially gives thanks to Elvira for her most compassionate care of Donna over the
last six months.
Services will be held on Monday, February 28 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1405
N. Main St., Elkhart. A parish rosary will be prayed at 11:30 AM, followed by visitation at Noon
and a Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:00 PM. Rev. Jason Freiburger will officiate.
Graveside service will immediately follow at St. Vincent Cemetery, Elkhart.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions to St. Thomas The Apostle
Catholic Church, Women's Care Center or Right to Life Michiana. Arrangements are under the care of Billings Funeral Home, where condolences may be made
online to Donna Durham's family at www.billingsfuneralhome.com