Helen Mahan Durbin's Obituary
Durbin, Helen Mary Mahan, departed this life peacefully at age 92, surrounded by her loving family at Bayfront Medical Center on 21 July, 2008. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband Col. Rollin B. 'Jim' Durbin, son Michael A. Durbin and sisters Veronica Taylor and Winifred Nelson. She was born in Highland Falls, NY to Master Sergeant William Patrick Mahan and Mary Fahey Mahan. She graduated from Cornwall-on-Hudson High School, Where she lettered in varsity basketball. She was also an excellent figure skater. She enjoyed beauty in all its forms. She played piano and loved Strauss waltzes. As an artist, she worked with pastels, acrylics and oils. She was an award winning poet. Gardening gave her great enjoyment and relaxation. As the wife of a United States Army officer, she re-located her family 32 times, over the course of their 30 year Military career, often when her husband was deployed overseas engaged in military operations which included the D-Day invasion, several other World War II battles and postings in Vietnam and Iran. Compassionate, strong of character and intelligent, she was often called upon to advise and console soldiers' wives who were unaccustomed to the realities of military life. Helen was a member, for over 40 years, of the Women's Guild of St. Raphael's parish. Helen will be greatly missed by anyone who met her. Survivors include her sons; William B., Edward O., Thomas W., Donald D. and Robert J. all of St. Petersburg and Patrick R. of Gainesville; her daughters, Jeanine H. D. McMahon of Chatham, NJ and Elaine Durbin of Brooklyn, NY; her son-in-law, Arthur F. McMahon, Jr. of Chatham, NJ; her daughter's-in-law, Wilma H. Durbin of St. Petersburg and Carol Durbin of Gainesville; her Grandchildren, Arthur F. McMahon, III and his wife Stephanie of Cincinnati, OH, Devin B. McMahon of New York City, Alana J. McMahon and her fianc', Cabot Henderson of New York City, Blaine P. Durbin, Kayla M. Durbin and Janelle A. Durbin all of Gainesville. Services were private. Those who wish may donate, in her memory, to the Army Emergency Relief Fund. Memorial Park Funeral Home
What’s your fondest memory of Helen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Helen?
Share a story where Helen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Helen you’ll never forget.
How did Helen make you smile?