DURST, ALICE THERESE (nee McDOWELL) February 23, 1930 – September 8, 2018 With heavy hearts we announce the death of our mother Alice.
Predeceased by the love of her life, Donald, her son Stephen and her brother William (Lois). Survived by her sister Rita Lalumiere (Herman deceased), her sisters-in-law Lois McDowell (William deceased) and Joanne Durst (Jim deceased). Alice was surrounded by the love of her nine children: Linda Coopman (Bob), Michael (Cheri), Dan (Loretta), Jane Durst Pulkys (Paul), Joanne (Sam Paradiso), John (Debbie), Mark (Jennifer), Marie Mason (Rob) and Joe (Tammey). She also leaves her 26 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and the many great-grandchildren to come. Although we lost our “true” mom to Alzheimer’s in 2015 she will always remain in our hearts as the wonderful, energetic, strong and generous person that she was. She was creative and intelligent and although wanted to be an artist she studied nursing. She became a compassionate and caring pediatric nurse at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto.
While studying nursing she met Don and the rest is history. Mom practiced nursing for many years, but she always wanted to study to be an artist. Once her children were on their way to adulthood she went back to school part-time and earned her Art degree from Ontario College of Art (now OCAD). She then proceeded to attain her Art History degree from the University of Toronto and was quietly proud of her accomplishments. Mom was the driving force behind all things “Durst”. She had boundless energy! From raising her children, to being a prolific painter with many art showings, to organizing all social gatherings, cottage getaways, pool parties, card games, get-togethers, world travels and of course, making time to paint and to play golf at the Toronto Hunt Club.
Don and Alice have been an inspiration to all of us. Mom’s love and commitment to her husband, her family and friends, her generosity and her Catholic faith, made her the woman she was and the woman we loved and admired. Thank you to all of the wonderful caregivers, nurses, doctors, and staff at the Cardinal Ambrozic Houses of Providence who made our mother’s final journey a spiritual one filled with compassion and empathy. Mom and dad were generous beyond words. In lieu of flowers, mom would love a donation to Friends of Honduran Children (honduranchildren.com) or the Alzheimer Society of Canada. The family will receive friends at HERITAGE FUNERAL CENTRE, 50 Overlea Blvd., Toronto, 416-423-1000 on Tuesday, September 11th from 6-9 p.m.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, September 12th at 10:30 a.m. at ST. JOHN’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 794 Kingston Rd., Toronto. Reception to follow at The Toronto Hunt Club, 1355 Kingston Rd., Scarborough. There will be a private burial with family at Mt. Hope Catholic Cemetery. Online condolences and directions may be found at www.heritagefuneralcentre.ca Mom, dad has been waiting anxiously for you with open arms. He is waiting at the first tee in Heaven for you to start the next round! We love you and will miss you dearly.