1938 - 2017
Visitation
February 9, 2017CANCELLED NO VISITATION
Dolan Funeral Home, Chelmsford, MA
Funeral
February 10, 20179:00 A.M. Mass
St. John the Evangelist Church, N. Chelmsford, MA
Eleanor A. Durant, 78, a retired elementary school teacher died unexpectedly Saturday, February 4, at Lowell General Hospital. She was the beloved wife of the late Frank A. Durant, to whom she was married for almost 48 years.
Daughter of the late James and Margaret (Mahoney) Condon, she was born in Lowell on March 19, 1938. Mrs. Durant was raised in Lowell and graduated from Keith Hall in 1955. In 1959, she graduated from Lowell State Teachers College in Lowell with a Bachelor of Science in education and received her master’s degree in education from Fitchburg State College in 1988.
Mrs. Durant worked as an elementary school teacher for the Town of Chelmsford for over 38 years. She worked at the North School, the Westlands Elementary School and the Parker Middle School where she retired in 2002. For over a decade, she and her husband owned and operated Clover Ridge Inn by Lake Winnipesaukee in Meredith, NH. She loved spending time with her family and grandchildren.
Over the years, she was a member of many organizations, including 25 years with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Greater Lowell, where she served as past president and most recently vice president. In addition, she was a member of the Altrusa International/Merrimack Valley, MA and was a past board member of the Merrimack Valley March of Dimes.
She was a communicant of St. John the Evangelist Church in Chelmsford.
She is survived by a daughter and a son-in-law, Margaret “Peggy” and Kenneth Richer of Chelmsford; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Frank Jr. and Barbara Durant of Sudbury, and Leonard Durant of Lowell; a brother and sister-in-law, James and Barbara Condon of Wayland and a sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Henry Valcour, Jr of Northbridge; six grandchildren, Kenneth, Kevin and Kurt Richer ; Frank III, Theodore and Rose Durant; her dear friend Jim Lizotte of Dunstable; as well as many nieces, nephews, and close family friends.
DUE to the WEATHER-Her visiting hours have been cancelled due to the weather at the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 106 Middlesex St. Chelmsford, MA. Her Funeral is still scheduled for Friday at 8:00 a.m. from the Funeral Home with a Funeral Home with a Funeral Mass at 9:00 a.m. in St. John the Evangelist Church 115 Middlesex St. N. Chelmsford, MA 01863. Burial in St. Joseph Cemetery, Chelmsford, MA. For those that wish Memorials may be made in her name to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Greater Lowel P.O. Box 692, Tyngsboro, MA 01879 or Altrusa International/Merrimack Valley, MA, P.O. Box 201 N. Chelmsford,MA 01863. ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com
Dan and Julie Valcour
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Aunt Eleanor will be dearly missed and her memory forever cherished.
Our deepest condolences at this most difficult time.
bob hatem
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It is with deep regret that we learned of Eleanor’s untimely passing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and the long relationship
the Hatem children shared with “Peggy” Our heartfelt condolences.
Joanne and Bob Hatem
Brenda Flanagan
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To Eleanor’s family,
I was so sorry to read of Eleanor’s passing. We grew up in Lowell and shared many great times in our neighborhood. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Brenda Flanagan
Bonita Springs, FL
John & Melba Leite
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Sincere condolences to the family of Eleanor who was a very good Lowell State friend and many years after with her predeceased husband Frank. There never is a good time for the family, but know that she will be remembered by many of her long time friends.
Sincerely,
John & Melba
Anne Marie Sheeran
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Eleanor was such a good friend. We had many good times over the years from teaching at the North School, sharing tales of our young ones, and just growing old. My sympathies to Peggy, Frankie and Lennie. Peggy and Jim, my sympathies on your loss. The pizza dates with Eleanor’s dad were great memories of the great “Tony’s pizza. I will miss you Eleanor. Love, Anne Marie
Beverly Hedison
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I worked with Ellie and she had my 3 children They loved her as I did She was a beautiful girl and had the most glorious smile. We go way back. Her sister and I were friends many, many years ago. When I would see Ellie I would ask about her sister Margaret. Rest in peace my beautiful friend. Heavy-hearted Beverly Barsorian Hedison
Dave and Jean Gramling
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First a neighbor, then a parent of two students at Austin Prep, Jean and I loved her and always had time for a talk whenever we saw her, at church, at Hannaford, ay Kohl’s or at the playgrounds.
She will be remembered as one of a kind and a great parent. Her grandsons are now at Austin Prep, and we are glad to have a part in their education, and in her life.
Janet Mulligan
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Dear Peggy,
Please accept my deepest condolences for the passing of your wonderful mother. I can see by her photo that you share her beautiful smile. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Much love to you.
Greg Basillio
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During my husband’s illness we were received numerous cards from his gym friends, Ellie and Alice, encouraging his recovery…it has meant so much to him and he has been looking forward to seeing them, giving them hugs. We are so sorry to hear of Ellie’s passing..a lovely, community spirited lady. We have been blessed to know her..Louann.
Michael Durant
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Dear Peggy and Frank very sorry to hear of the loss of your mother.
I remember clearly in 1959 when your mother married my uncle Frank.
It was a beautiful wedding and I was so thrilled when, as a young boy, someone lifted me up to kiss your mom.
I thought she was a very pretty woman.
It was lots of fun at family gatherings… your mom was so kind and fun to be with….She had an infectious and relaxed style.
I hope you’re able to take comfort in the memories you have.
Love,
Michael
Lynne Bennett
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Mrs Durant,
Thank you for helping me love school. You held me accountable, made me laugh and simply demonstrated your love for teaching. RIP and my prayers and condolences to your loving family
Joan C Powell
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Dear Durant Family,
My deepest sympathy to all of you on the passing of Ellie. She was a co-worker from Parker School and a dear friend. My husband and I would always share greetings with Ellie and Jim Sundays at 8:30 Mass at St John’s. Always a lady, full of life and lots of fun and laughs. We have beautiful memories. God Bless.
Sincere sympathy,
Joan & Allan Powell
Lee Ogilvie
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I am so sorry to hear about one of my oldest and dearest friends passing. I will always think of Eleanor and Margaret as my older sisters!! You were always there for me when we were growing up on Westford St. in Lowell. Rest in Peace my friend!! Love, Lee & George Ogilvie
David Hedison
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My dear Mrs. Durant…. An amazing teacher that knew how to challenge you and pushed you to do your best. My thoughts are with your family. Thank you for all you did. David
Dan Valcour
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It was very saddening to hear of aunt Eleanor’s passing. My condolences in this trying time.
Lindsay Parent
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Dearest Mrs. Durant, I will never forget being in your class. You always told me that I belonged in Hollywood and would make a fantastic actress someday… I absolutely loved your hugs and how amazing you were to me. I will never forget it. Rest in paradise.
Steve & Deb Chemaly
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So sorry to hear of Eleanor’s passing. Will miss seeing her smiling face on Sunday mornings at Stelios. Thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
Krista Mater Marshall
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How lucky I was to have Mrs Durant as a teacher back in 80’s. Although I have not seen her in many years, my best friend Kelly and I always reminisce of the fun we had in her class. Two very talkative pre- teen girls. She would separate us in the morning and by the afternoon we would someone manage to move our desks back together. She was caring, and made her students feel special. She touched the lives of many people. I feel honored to have known such a wonderful woman. Mrs Durant, you will always be in our hearts, and memories of you and Mrs Lospenato at Westlands school will always make us smile. Rest in Peace….
scott sanjurjo
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I’m a friend of Ellie and Alice’s from the Gym and also a neighbor of Ellie’s friend
Eleanor Sullivan. My deepest sympathy to you all on the loss of your Mom and Alice-to the loss of your friend.
Ellie always had a smile and was not afraid to show how much her faith meant to her.
Regina Dabilis
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I will always remember Ellie as a wonderful colleague in the Chelmsford Schools and as a wonderful human being. She had an endearing smile and friendliness whenever I met her over the years. She will be missed by all who knew her. My deepest condolences go out to her family and all who were close to her. May her memory be eternal.
Tommy Doyle
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I very fondly and nostalgically remember Mrs. Durant from the Westlands School as a kid in the 60s and very early 70s with my Dad the principal. She was a toughie at school. It was a wonderful time to be kid in Chelmsford. Great memories. I know my Dad thought the world of her. My condolences to her family. God Bless.
Ann O'Neil
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Ellie was a very dear friend since 1959 when we started teaching together at the North School and then on to the Westlands School. We had such great times and she has left me with so many great memories.
Ellie was a kind, considerate women whom I feel very lucky to have known and loved for many, many years.
Rest in peace my dear friend and continue to do asvI always told you…”Behave yourself girl!!”
Martha Damon O'Neill
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Mrs. Durant was my 1st grade teacher at North School. She was just wonderful to this very scared little first grader. I remember her first as Miss Condon before she was married. She was kind and made me love school. I know she will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Martha Damon O’Neill