Joan Prentice "Joanie" Durgin

It has been quite a while since Cindy and I met Joan. But we well remember her as a classy person who enthusiastically loved her family and eagerly shared with and helped others. Alan and Cindy Sawyer

Handwork / Drugin family, I just heard that you lost your mom. Please know that everyone who came in contact with her is a much better person. As my neighbor, teacher 8th grade student and your lawn boy. I am thankful that she touched my life. Cherish the memories and wonderful experiences you have shared. You are in my prayers. Cary Kaufman

Joan truly was an amazing women who changed many lives. She is the only reason I was able to graduate high school and go on to college to make something of myself. She encouraged me everyday to stay in school despite my struggles and helped to pay for childcare for my daughter so that I could attend school. She also helped me to get into Mercy College Of Northwest Ohio. She had a heart of gold and cared about every student. I'm so sorry to her family for such a heartbreaking loss.

Joanie my heart is saddened in seeing this. Our common bond of gardening and birds gave us many hours of great conversations that I'll always cherish. Such a beautiful person inside and out. Your compassion and kindness made us want to be around you. Prayers for Rod and your family, you truly were a gem.

What an incredible loss. I had the great privilege of knowing Joan through community volunteerism years ago and will always remember her strength, kindness and passion for helping teens. She´s left an indelible impression on living life gracefully, with purpose and compassion. My sincere sympathy and prayers for Rod, her family and many friends.

The world lost a great champion of student health, in particular female students when Joan died! I first met Joan around 1992-1993. She was the Director of Health Education for Toledo Public Schools and was starting the Polly Fox Academy for pregnant and parenting girls in Toledo. I was a young professor with very little federal grant experience. A friend and colleague at UToledo, Susan Telljohann, asked me if I would help Joan write a federal grant to support Polly Fox Academy. Even though I...

It's easy to tell everyone what you believe, it's another to live out those beliefs with action on a daily basis. Joanie showed us all what kindness and compassion looked liked in skin. She was a treasure and I am blessed to have known her.

I had the pleasure of meeting Joan years ago, as a nail tech at a local salon. I always looked forward to the time we spent together, and loved it when she sent her daughters in as well! She genuinely was the kindest, nicest person I have been blessed to meet. May her family find some comfort knowing she is now resting comfortably in the arms of our Lord.

Joanie was the trifecta of kindness, devotion, and purposefulness. I met her 35 years ago through my dear friend and neighbor, Polly Fox. As Polly's health declined, Joanie and I interacted very frequently in our help, care, and concerns for Polly. We are ever grateful for all she did to make this world brighter. Our thoughts and prayers are for Rod, and the kiddos ... we are so very sorry.