Rose Mary Durand

Born in the coal mining town of Mahanoy City, PA on April 8, 1917 to John & Mary Getz, Rose Mary Durand died November 14, 2010 at age 93. Rose was a 17 year widow to William (Bill) Durand. She spent her adult years in New York City and her retired years at Heritage Village in Connecticut and Boca Raton, Florida. Her final move to Willow Valley, PA in 1988 made her one of the original residents of The Lakes.

Rose spent most of her working career for Railway Express Agency (REA) in New York City. She was introduced to her life’s mate on the golf course by her match-making brother, Jack, and she and Bill continued to enjoy the game for many years together. Friends and family remember their annual Christmas tins of homemade caramels. We admired her commitment to physical exercise, including tennis, golf, and walking, which was manifest in her good health. She was devoted to her husband, her siblings, and their children, always impeccably dressed, and possessed deep internal strength.  As she wrote, ". here I am 86 years old, ancient but blessed by God.  I look back on my life satisfied with what I have accomplished – when the bell tolls I am ready!"

In addition to her husband, Rose is predeceased by her siblings Joseph E. Getcy, John (Jack) Getz, Mary Getz, Helen V. Straka and identical twin Lucille Lacy. She is survived by three sisters, Margaret J. (Marge) Gabuzda of Springfield, Va.; Kathryn D. (Kim) Thompson of Willow Street, Pa.; and Cecilia A. (Dolly) Leonidas of Havertown, PA, known as the “the kids” in their large family, and whom Rose along with other siblings helped support and raise long ago. Rose is also remembered by numerous nieces and nephews across the U.S., especially by her godchildren, Jerry Lacy and Rosemary Baffi.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, November 20, 2010 at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church 2111 Millersville Pike, Lancaster, Pa 17603 at 3 p.m. with Rev. Mark E. Weiss as Celebrant. Family and friends will be received Saturday November 20, 2010 at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory 414 E. King St. Lancaster Pa. 17602 from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. with the Rosary being recited at 10:45 a.m. Interment will be private in Gethsemane Cemetery in Laureldale, PA.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Brunner Foundation at Willow Valley, attention June Draude, 600 Willow Valley Square, Lancaster, PA 17602. Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 717-393-9661.