Mother of Cathy ’72, Karen ’73 and Barbara Durham ’77 passed away

Obituary for Alice Catherine Durham

Alice Durham, 90, left us on August 26, 2017 in Toledo Ohio.

In her last weeks, she spoke of being “really blessed.” And she truly was. She was blessed with her beloved husband Dan who cherished her for 65 years; her 4 children – Cathy (Bruce) Wilson, Karen (John) Heinrichs, Barbara (Tony) Hirsch, and Daniel (Joan) Durham who loved her sweet, thoughtful guidance and wit; her 9 grandchildren who thrived in her joyful attention; her wonderful great grandchildren; adoring parents and siblings, Bill Gleespen and Mary Fox; treasured sister-in-law, Jane Gleespen Nachtrab; precious high school “sorority” friends, together for 70 years; close friend Toby Hoover; and many dear nieces and nephews. But we were even more blessed – by her faith, strength, wisdom, humor and devotion to all of us.

Alice was born on May 6, 1927 to Albert and Louise Gleespen. She went to Central Catholic high school and played clarinet in their marching band. She married her dear husband Dan in 1951. Because of Dan’s 26 years with the fire department, Alice was able to stay home to raise their young children. As they grew older, she embarked on her own career as an HR Block tax professional, working for 38 years into her 80’s. With Dan, she traveled to many places, including Ireland, Alaska and the Atlanta Olympics. Disney World with grandchildren was a favorite. Their 50th wedding anniversary celebration was celebrated in style in 2001. And this year, they reached a landmark 65th anniversary.

Alice is preceded in death by her parents and siblings. She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, sister-in-laws, and other close friends.

Friends may visit at the Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd., on Wednesday, August 30th from 5-8 p.m. where a Scripture Service will be recited at 7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, August 31st at St. Patrick’s of Heatherdowns Church at 10 a.m. Entombment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery at 1 p.m..

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Dr. William M. Gleespen Scholarship fund at St. John’s High School, 5901 Airport Hwy, Toledo, OH 43615. Please view and sign our online “guest registry” at CoyleFuneralHome.com

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