Obituary of Patricia "Donna" Durant

ILION-UTICA – P. “Donna” Durant, age 79, of Schuyler, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 15, 2018, at St. Elizabeth Hospital Medical Center, Utica, with her loving family by her side and her devoted Kitteforde holding her hand.

She was born on September 6, 1938, in Utica, the daughter of Jerome and Marion (Ilkow) Galinn.  Donna graduated from UFA and SUNY upper division, Magna Cum Laude.  She was married to Denny Hunter who was the father of her two daughters.  She later married Vincent Durant on June 12, 1982, in Utica.  He died on November 11, 2010.  Donna was employed as a vocational rehabilitation counselor at the ARC, Utica, for over 25 years.  At one time, she was employed by the Central Association for the Blind and also was a pre-school teacher at Annunciation School, Ilion. 

Donna loved spending time with her family and playing the slots. She treasured her vacation time in Atlantic City with her kids.

Despite her many limitations, Donna maintained her independence and positive attitude throughout her entire life.

So much so, that most people she met didn’t realize just how difficult things were for her. She touched many lives and we are truly grateful that she was in ours.  She was a sensitive woman, but so very strong. One of her favorite quotes was “Live for today, for tomorrow is not promised”.

Surviving family members include her daughter, Gina Sciortino and husband, Joseph, of Utica; their daughter, Sarah, who was Gramda’s Jellybean, Kitteforde, confidante and caregiver; Donna’s sister, Sandra Bogan, who is the “family rock and voice of reason” and husband, Joseph, of Schuyler; her niece, Robin Astour and husband, Andy, their children Tyler and Kayleigh and great-grand-niece and family ray of sunshine, Lily; her nephew, Ed Engesser and daughter, Morgan; her sister-in-law, Ann Shepard, of North Carolina; stepsons, Michael Durant and wife, Katherine, of Ilion,  their son, Gregory, who was Gramma Donna’s favorite lunch date, David Durant his wife, Pamela and their daughters, Megan and Katie and families, of Rochester, and Christopher Durant and wife, Jaimie and their daughters, Kelsie and Kassandra and families, of Ilion; and special friends, Alpha Albright and Mary Mettais.  Donna will be missed by her feline companion, Chancy Regina.

She was predeceased by her husband, Vince; daughter, Lauren Hunter; stepson, Scott Durant; and sister, T. Elaine Galinn.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, August 20, 2018, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., at the Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home’s original location, at 102 West St., Ilion.

Donna’s Celebration of Life service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 p.m. Monday, at the funeral home.  A special  thank you to Aunt Sandy.  We couldn’t have gotten through this without you.

Anyone wishing to share a memory of Donna, or add to her online memorial, may go to www.applegateandday.com.

In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to Stevens-Swan Humane Society, 5664 Horatio St., Utica, NY 13502.  Envelopes will also be available at the funeral home.

Donna’s service arrangements and supervision are entrusted to her family Funeral Director, Don Applegate.