Mary Louise Durham

Mary Louise Burnham Durham passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on December 7, 2025, in Chesterfield, VA. She was born on January 3, 1934, in Watertown, NY at her parents’ home.

Mary is survived by her five children, Julie Welch (Robert) of Ninilchik, AK; Sharon Ipes (John Duvall) of Sandia Park, NM; Dale Salway (Larry) of Summerset, SD; Ed Durham (Heather) of Budapest, Hungary; and Jerry Durham (Donna Hamilton) of Chester, VA; her five grandchildren, Renee Welch Waters (Wendall), Randy Welch, Alicia McIntyre (Paul), Christian Durham, and Eric Salway, and several great grandchildren; her sisters Mae Durham and Patty Betts (Paul); her brothers Paul and Stanley Burnham, and many nieces and nephews. She was welcomed into heaven by her husband, Ervin Durham, who she was married to for 72 years, her parents Anna and Guy Burnham, and her beloved granddaughter Janette Durham as she entered the pearly gates. She is also predeceased by her siblings Charles, Harvey and George Burnham, Barbara Burnham Dukes, and Ruth Burnham Zellar.

She cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought her immense happiness throughout her life. Family gatherings and holidays were always special times for Mary, as she delighted in creating warm memories and traditions that will be treasured for generations.

Mary’s pride and joy was her commitment to her family as a wife, mother, and homemaker. Outside of the home she worked as a monitor at Pilgrim Holiness Academy and then for the West Genesee School District in the cafeteria. Later in life she worked in customer service at McDonalds in Fairmount. She generously gave of herself to her family and to several young people who she and Ervin welcomed into their home over the years. She could often be seen cooking or canning, and her family would hear her praying or singing hymns. She was faithful and active in her church as a Sunday school teacher and church member. She lived her life as a committed Christ follower and endeavored to be faithful to God and her family. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

A Celebration of Life service will take place on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Newcomer Funeral Home, 705 North Main Street, North Syracuse, NY 13212. The calling hour will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by the service at 11:00 a.m.  To view a livestream of the service Click here

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Mary L. Durham to

Faith Heritage School, 3740 Midland Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13205.