Maureen Dursi

Maureen Dursi, eldest child of the late Louis M. and Kathleen J. McHenry Dursi, passed away from cancer on January 26, 2012 at the home of her sister, Patricia Ast, in Pensacola, Florida. Maureen was born April 10, 1945, in Buffalo, New York. She was the valedictorian of the first graduating class of Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, Connecticut, graduating summa cum laude with a degree in English and a minor in Spanish. Always interested in travel, following graduation she taught high school English Literature and advanced English in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, and English as a Second Language throughout the Arecibo public school system, the first of many instances throughout her life helping others learn English. Following that, Maureen spent a year in Buenos Aires, Argentina on a Rotary Graduate Fellowship, studying at the Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina, touring that country, and speaking to over 30 South American Rotary Clubs. Maureen moved to Washington, DC after her return to the US and worked in government and non-profit organization in administration, training, and management. She earned a Master of Public Administration Degree from the University of Southern California’s Washington, DC Public Affairs Center in 1981. In 1991, Maureen’s sense of adventure took her to Anchorage, Alaska. She served as Program Director of Clare House, a shelter for homeless women in Anchorage, and later as training coordinator and administrative support for municipal and engineering firms. While there, Maureen was an advocate for the gay and lesbian community in Alaska. Her service to and friendships with all in that community led to many life-long friendships. She led the effort to bring the AIDS Names Project Quilt Exhibit to Anchorage and spoke at the opening reception for AIDS Awareness Week when the Quilt arrived in 1989. Maureen moved to Marion, Virginia, in 2002 to care for her ailing mother. She worked again in the non-profit training sector as Literacy Coordinator of the Smith County Adult Literacy Enrichment Program and also taught ESL classes at local community colleges. She assisted many Hispanic-speaking friends with their efforts to gain citizenship, explaining the intricacies of government policies and translating official documents. After Mrs. Dursi’s death, Maureen began yet another chapter in her life, obtaining dual certification in Medical Transcription and Medical Coding/Billing from the National College of Business and Technology. She worked at Highlands Pathology Consultants in Bristol, TN where she was greatly valued as much for her positive impact on the lives of her co-workers as for her excellent communication and transcription skills and her willingness to do whatever it took to prepare correct, precise transcription reports for clients. This dedication became personal when she was herself diagnosed with cancer in 2009, and as a patient waited for results of her own medical tests. Maureen is survived by five sisters: Patricia Ast, Pensacola, FL; Rita Dursi Johnson (Gerald), Hickory, NC; Kathy Vinci (Nino), Berlin, CT; Rosemary Lilley (Paul), San Antonio, FL; Marcia Dursi, Annandale, VA; and three brothers: Louis Dursi (Peg), Dartmouth, NS, CA; James Dursi, St. James Bay, FL; John Dursi (Chris Strom), Ashland, WI; by family friend Berna O’Donoghue, Annandale, VA; and by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Her spirit and enthusiasm for life will be greatly missed. Memorial Service will be held at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Fr. Boles as celebrant. FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME SOUTH, 100 Beverly Pkwy, is handling arrangements. Condolences may be placed online at www.fcfhs.com.

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Maureen Dursi

April 10, 1945 - January 26, 2012