Ann Margaret Durham

FUNERAL HOME

Eckhardt Funeral Chapel, P.A. of Manchester

3296 Charmil Drive

Manchester, Maryland

Ann Durham Obituary

Name: Memorial Gathering for Ann Margaret Durham
Start: 2024-12-26T13:00:00.000Z
End: 2024-12-26T15:00:00.000Z
Location: ECKHARDT FUNERAL CHAPEL, P.A.

Ann Margaret Durham, 77, of Upperco, MD, passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore City, MD. Born on August 5, 1947, in Pittsburgh, PA, she was the daughter of the late Ferdinand Carrera and Sophia Slavnik Carrera. She was the beloved wife of 48 years to Robert Albright Durham, Jr. Ann worked as a Spanish teacher for 37 years at Carroll County Public Schools. Surviving her in addition to her husband are daughters: Carrie and Amy Durham, both of Baltimore City, and brothers: John and Fred Carrera, both of Pittsburgh, PA. Ann is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends. A memorial gathering will be held on Thursday, December 26, from 1-3 pm at the ECKHARDT FUNERAL CHAPEL, P.A., 3296 Charmil Drive, Manchester, MD, where a memorial service will begin at 3 pm. Interment is private. If desired, donations may be made to the Baltimore Humane Society, 1601 Nicodemus Rd., Reisterstown, MD 21136, or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be offered at www.eckhardtfuneralchapel.com

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Published by Carroll County Times on Dec. 22, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Ann Durham

10 Entries

Heather Lord

December 30, 2024

I do not clearly remember a time that Ann was not part of my life, but I do remember her becoming part of it. She was so different than anyone I had met, and I loved her immediately, completely, and without reservation. She was intelligent, perceptive, and honest. She was fierce, and she had a spirit that was not afraid. She was opinionated, but compassionate; honest, but never in the spirit of meanness; loving and affectionate, but never phony or conciliatory. She held high standards for herself and others, but she did not become bitter or mean when people fell short of those expectations. She loved fiercely, selflessly, and unconditionally. She was full of life, love, and humor. She always maintained a strong sense of self, and despite criticism, even cruelty, she did not allow those things to change her. She continued to speak her mind and call things how she saw them, but she never let her anger become meanness or her sorrow collapse into self-pity. She remained fiercely kind.
I have only, as best I can remember, found a four-leaf clover one time. I immediately gave it to Ann. I remember crawling under the dining room table in her apartment trying to pet her giant, fluffy orange cat—Buffy, who did not like children, but tolerated my love for him better than most. I remember the day she officially became my aunt. I remember taking my Fisher Price shopping cart, full of wildflowers and weeds, from my grandmother’s house towards Bob and Ann’s newly built house at the top of the hill, so that I could share them with her. I remember the night my grandfather died, and she and Bob came to pick me up from my softball game, and she talked to me about death and loss and grief—things I had not yet experienced. She prepared me for surviving unfathomable pain in losing someone I loved.

Ann was one of my mother’s best friends. I think she inspired my mom to be braver and more authentic. Ann validated my mom’s feelings and observations in an environment that thrived on secrecy, subtle judgment, and criticism. Ann was a much needed and appreciated breath of fresh air. I am grateful that she was there for my mom. My mother trusted her completely and loved her deeply.

When I visited Ann a few weeks ago and had a chance to talk to her alone, her first concern was not for herself, despite years of excruciating pain. She wanted to know that Bob would be ok. That someone would be there for him. She worried about him taking care of himself and his own health because he had spent so much of his time and energy caring for her. She also wanted to know that someone would be there for her daughters, Carrie and Amy. She needed to know that none of them would face this world alone when she could no longer be there. Her own pain, illness, and coming passing were not what worried her. She worried about what would happen to the family that she loved above all else. Watching Ann and Bob in the last few weeks, their love was such a beautiful thing to witness. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to do so.

A few weeks ago, Ann gave me the greatest compliment I have ever received. She told me that I was like her. I hope that she was right because I would love to be remembered the way that I remember her. As a woman who loved with all her heart. A woman who did not compromise her principles. A woman who was brave and fierce in her love and in her life. A woman who, no matter what she was going through, thought first of the people she loved. A woman who gave others strength and hope and love when they needed it the most. I will do my best to live up to the potential she saw in me, and I will keep all the promises that I made to her. She was an inspiration to me and to so many family members, friends, colleagues, and former students who knew her. May we continue to be inspired.

Abraham Durham & Kathleen B.

Sent Flowers

Gina Perez

Sent Flowers

Kelley Hoffman Lund

December 20, 2024

Señora Durham was one of my very favorite teachers at NCHS, and I was fortunate to have her for Spanish 2-5. She made learning so much fun; we worked hard, but we also made each other laugh. I still tell people about her story falling off a chair in Spain and confusing the words for embarrassed and pregnant. Sending love and comfort to her family.

Amy Myers McCombs

December 20, 2024

I have so many fond memories of Mrs. Durham in Spanish II-IV as well as Spanish Club. She was even able to help convince my Mom to allow we to travel to Spain with the group! I am so sorry to hear of her passing. Prayers for her family.

Leslie Whye Ashley

December 20, 2024

Mrs Durham was one of my favorite teachers at NCHS. Because of her I passed my college Spanish placement test earning me 6 college credits. May she rest in peace.

Sharon Groft

December 20, 2024

She was a force of nature! Rest in peace! Condolences and prayers to Bob and the girls.

Kim Piccione Baydarian

December 20, 2024

Mrs. Durham was a great Spanish teacher. She cared for her students and had high expectations. My condolences to her family.

Gina Trapani

December 20, 2024

Mrs. Durham was one of those teachers you look back at and realized how she may have shaped your life without you really knowing it! She cared about her student in a tough Mom kinda way, but oh my how much joy and laughter I got out of Spanish 2-4! We did silly stuff but if it was in Spanish, it was all good! Her chuckle too was so memorable. Condolences to all her loved ones.

Michelle Keene Porter

December 20, 2024

Mrs. Durham was an excellent teacher. She was challenging and I remember having fun learning Spanish. My prayers and condolences to her family!

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