Doris E. Durham

Doris Eileen Durham (84), of Novi, MI passed away peacefully on April 18, 2022, surrounded by loved ones. Doris was born on October 15, 1937 to Gotthilf (Gus) and Augusta (Gussie) Thumm in Detroit, Michigan. After graduating from Mackenzie High School in 1955, she went on to her first job as a draftsman for Bell Telephone Company. In 1954, she met Donald Durham, and they wed on July 12, 1957. They had 3 children, Dawn, Doug, and David. Don and Doris spent most of their married life living in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Doris dedicated her life to being a wonderful mother. She supported her children through the many activities and events in their lives. She enjoyed baking, crafts, bowling, reading, and particularly loved playing cards, cribbage, and other games. One of her favorite activities was going to the casino. She had a very special bond with her twin sister, Millie. Don and Doris were able to travel to many destinations, including Germany, Hawaii, Alaska, Costa Rica, and the Mediterranean. Mostly, they loved that these trips included time spent with family and friends. A special adventure was their Disney Cruise with family, grandkids and lifelong friends. After retiring Don and Doris spent time at their home in Canadian Lakes, Michigan where Doris participated in the couple’s golf league, euchre, concerts, and many other activities. She will be greatly missed. Doris is preceded in death by her mother and father, Gotthilf and Augusta Thumm. She is survived by her loving husband Donald James Durham, children Dawn Hathaway (Todd), Doug Durham (Kristin), David Durham (Dana) and nine grandchildren: Stefanie, Megan (Evan), Alex, Nathan, Jack, Owen, Audrey, Carson, and Drew, along with her twin sister Mildred Harper (the late Allen) and brother Elmo (Barbara), sister-in-law Mary Dreher (Ernie), brother-in-law Ray Ratajski (Jan) and many nieces, nephews, and special, lifelong friends. Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of earthly life, in particular for the life of our Doris, a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Thank you for all the years we enjoyed with her. We will cherish the memories of times of joy and times of sorrow. As she is now at rest with you, we thank you for the hope of a future in your presence that we will share together. Now may you, the Lord of Peace, give us peace at all times and in every way. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. Visitation at the O'Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home, 41555 Grand River Avenue, Novi, 248-348-1800 on Friday, April 22, 2022 from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Visitation will continue on Saturday, April 23, 2022 from 10:00 AM until time of funeral service 11:00 AM. Interment will take place at Glen Eden Cemetery, Livonia at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association Michigan Chapter or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Doris E. Durham

October 15, 1937 - April 18, 2022