1941
2016
10/8/1941 ~ 5/17/2016
Mary Ellen "Baba" Durham, soul mate to Alvin Bailey, loving pain- in- the- butt to daughters Cori Parkinson and Lisa Bowles, and proud Grandma to Taylor and Parker Bowles, passed away from leukemia, true to form, fighting to the bitter end on May 17th 2016.
Mary Ellen is the co-founder and owner of Genesis Books. An angel in the recovery community, she helped countless people on their journey. She loved Bear Lake, bird watching, toy poodles, kitty cats and thrift stores. She never missed her grandkids' events, and loved them unconditionally.
She is survived by her brothers John (Shirley) Durham, Tim (Val) Durham, sister-in-law Valli Durham, eight nieces and nephews, step-children Karen Patonai and John Bailey, as well as her chosen daughter Lindsey Terry. Preceded in death by brother Steve Durham and parents Betty and Wilby Durham.
Our special thanks go to Dr. Gabby, RN's Amy and Ashley and the entire nursing staff at the LDS Hospital 8 East leukemia unit. They took very compassionate care of our Mom and wife.
We will miss her dearly, and remember Mom, God made you special!
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the House of Hope. Her memorial will be held on Wed. June 1st at Wasatch Lawn and Memorial Park, 3401 So. Highland Drive. Reception and viewing 12:30-2:30p.m., service at 3:00p.m., a private family burial at 4:00p.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary.
The strongest woman I know also must rest, memories live strong.... she's one of the best!!!! Forever grateful for your love And unwavering support.... with love, Jen
Jennifer Seaman
October 18, 2016
I'm sad to find out this way, never the chance to stop and say...
How much I love you and appreciate you so, what you've done for me, you may never know!!
I will never forget calling you I the phone, and admitting to you, what I'd become.....
You didn't bat an eye or waste anytime,
To ensure a house of hope bed was mine.....
I'm so sorry to see you go I didn't realize you were holding back,
Surely you didn't say anything for one more excuse I could use to throw me off track....
Here I am Maryellen awaiting my response from my future career, they ran a background to look at me clearer... you've always been my number one contact,
But staying I contact is something I always lacked.....
The phone call came and then a text because you passed they needed a next...
My heart hit the floor and went down on my knees.... tell me it's not true, someone tell me please....
I looked up the obituary and there, there you are,
No longer here ... up I the sky.... YOU'VE BECOME A STAR!!
NOW you will rest without pain or worry.... there's another one looking up and that would be me!!!
Forever grateful for all of your life and unwavering support!!! I love you "second mom" or number one just short
I'll know in my heart you'll always be near, and I'll say my love while shedding a tear....
But a tear of love and knowing your close, as long as i keep believing, I suppose.....
FOREVER IN MY HEART.....I LOVE YOU!
JEN SEAMAN
Jen Seaman
October 18, 2016
Dear grandpa al
Im alone without grandma I know that she is in my heart and watching over me I remember that she says god made u spacial I love u grandpa
Violet Patonai
June 24, 2016
My most sincere condolences to Al, and the family. Mary Ellen was always helpful in assisting me find certain books that I was seeking. Very polite, courteous, and willing to help in whatever way she could.
Byron Bateman
June 11, 2016
Our condolences to all of Mary Ellen's family. Sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful person.
Love, The Woodwards
Kevin Woodward
June 1, 2016
I'm so very sorry for your loss. I hope you can find strength, Uncle Alvin, in knowing she is truly in a better place. We love you.
Dianna (Bailey) Young
May 31, 2016
You will be deeply missed Mary Ellen. Thank you for the love and honesty through the years, sharing memories of my dad and family in those tender years. We've had many memories, tears but mostly Laughter with family and friends. You and Al have been great examples of love and service in this community and touched many lives. God bless your family, Al, daughters Cori & Lisa, grandchildren and friends. Say Hi to dad! Love Becky
Becky Rivera
May 27, 2016
Mary Ellen was always a loving, accepting, and uplifting presence. She has done smooch for so many. Our love and condolences to Al, Cori, Lisa, John, Shirley, Tim, Val, and Valli. What a wonderful cousin. I am grateful to have been one of her family. I will especially miss her hugs.
George Durham
May 26, 2016
Al, I am so sorry to hear of Mary Ellen's passing. May your Higher Power bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Mary Ellen will be sorely missed by all of Bill's friends who knew her and many others.
Stan Schubach
May 25, 2016
So sad to hear of Mary Ellen's passing. She was a great woman and an inspiration to those around her. I will miss her.
Warren Bird
May 25, 2016
Dear Al, Lindsey and Mary Ellen's family,
I was saddened to see an email sent by Lindsey this morning. Mary Ellen was one of my customers and while we never met, I know she was a very special and very important lady in many people's lives. May you find comfort in knowing your memories will never leave, and in sharing your sweet memories with each other.
With deepest sympathy, Linnae Bosma, Freedom Line Gifts
Linnae Bosma
May 25, 2016
Mary Ellen I am sending you love on the wings of the Universe. Your heart was as big as that Universe and you always open your heart to me. You have been an inspiration to me. Your Kindness and Wisdom As A Women and a friend will always be cherished. Always Love
Dorothy McPhie
May 24, 2016
Mary Ellen will be remembered fondly by all of us in the 339th Fighter Squadron Association. She brightened our reunions always with a smile and a pertinent comment. She will be missed. Our condolences to Alvin and the family.
Gene Kershner
Gene Kershner
May 24, 2016
Mary Ellen, brave, big-hearted and beautiful. She was endlessly helping people that suffered.
The people who benefitted is vast. We cry for our loss but the angels sing as one of their own returns.
Win Jensen
May 23, 2016
Farewell Mary Ellen. The world is just a bit sadder place toady without you in it. I owe my 21 years without a smoke to you and even bigger, my journey into recovery. I will miss not getting a hug when I go into the bookstore. My hopes and prayers go out to Al.
david bowyer
May 22, 2016
Mary Ellen , Somewhere must mean ,the Mother who Taught us All! I will miss your sweet smile and warm embraces . You sang your solo so quietly yet so loudly, I love you . No words Wil comfort your leaving this physical form, we are so attached to. Please give our heart solace when we can't bear your absence one more second.., Remind us what we are.,,,,
Lynda Steele
May 22, 2016
I remember Mary Ellen as Homecoming Queen at Olympus and the beautiful dream date that I could never get (or even had the courage to ask for). In the 50+ years after graduation I came to know that her heart was as beautiful as her face and she loved all those around her. We've all lost a friend at her passing.
Quentin Wells
May 22, 2016
My dear best friend,you are missed. I will miss your broad shoulders to cry on, and the great ability you had to listen. we laughed alot to, sometimes so much we could not stop. I love you. Rebecca
Rebecca Hanks
May 22, 2016
My dear best friend, you are missed. your shoulders were big to lean on and your words always helped when needed. I will so miss our laughs love you, Rebecca
Rebcca Hanks
May 22, 2016
Our families go way back!!! I'm glad your mom ("M E" as she would sign in our emails) reconnected with my mom back in the 80's after not seeing/hearing from each other from back in the 50's or 60's, when your grandparents would rent my grandmother's beach house in the summers. Otherwise, I'm not sure I'd be saddened today with the news of the loss of this wonderful woman. She was so tiny....but had a HUGE heart! She obviously did lots of BIG things in the recovery world and touched so many in the community. God did make Mary Ellen special. Blessings, love & prayers to her family & friends.
Much love,
Kim Page
Kim Page
May 22, 2016
Mary Ellen did more for the mental/emotional health of those in the salt lake valley than any other one person could have. You will be missed!
Elene FriendOfBill
May 22, 2016
I will forever miss our early-morning talks. Thank you for always being a trusted confidant and super-great MOM to me. And reminding me that I was mad special. Love you. Karen Lee
May 22, 2016
I will forever miss our early-morning talks. Thank you for always being a trusted confidant and a super-great MOM to me. Love you always, Karen Lee
May 22, 2016
You helped me make my life better. I love you, Mary Ellen.
Raelene Barnes
May 22, 2016
Our prayers are with you all, your Mother was an awesome lady who I was so glad I got to meet. She will be missed. She always had the kindest words when we talked and she listened with true care and love in her heart. Never forget how much she was loved. Thanks for sharing her.
Kittie Kilpack
May 22, 2016
WE LOVE YOU GUYS,
TORIE AND FAMILY
Torie Hancock-Weeks
May 20, 2016
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