We are very sad to announce the passing of Charmaine Barbara Durance (nee Dodge) on March 14, 2024. The family is grateful to the amazing staff at the Dryden Regional Health Centre for their care and support.
Charmaine was born in Toronto on March 19, 1935, to Jessie and Gordon Dodge. The family subsequently moved to Jackfish and then Terrace Bay. After attending the Industrial Chemistry program at Lakehead Technical Institute, Charmaine went on to graduate from Ryerson Institute of Technology in Public Health Laboratory Technology.
While in Toronto, Charmaine met Bryon through a mutual friend. It was not long before she moved to Dryden, taking a job in the lab at Dryden District General Hospital. Charmaine and Bryon married on September 5, 1959. Together, they raised three children and owned a number of businesses, including Lana’s Shoes.
Charmaine loved many things in life, always busy with hobbies like gardening, golfing, sewing, painting, pottery and other crafts, volunteering in the community and weekly bridge games with friends. She tried many sports throughout the years, such as track and field as a girl, downhill and cross-country skiing with her children, and learning to rollerblade once her grandchildren came along. One of Charmaine’s favourite things to do was laugh, keeping her quick sense of humour until the very end.
Her children and grandchildren were continuously encouraged to learn, pursue all opportunities, keep an open mind, and ultimately, live life. Charmaine was always there to provide encouragement and celebrate successes. An independent, resilient, hardworking and naturally curious person, she instilled these traits in the ones she raised.
Charmaine is survived by her husband of 64 years, Bryon Durance, children Shaunda (Peter) Durance-Tod, David (Shelly) Durance, and Gordon (Tina) Durance, grandchildren Andrew, Iain, Evan, Kaileigh, Kaitlyn and Joshua, and sisters Bev Stolz and Pat Haylock. She is predeceased by her sister Betty and by her parents.
“Death brings a heartache no one can heal, but love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
Condolences(22)-
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Claudine Savage says
March 16, 2024 at 7:48 pmMy sincere condolences to the Durance family. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
David Durance says
April 1, 2024 at 8:04 pmThank you so much, Claudine!
Barb Gauthier says
March 16, 2024 at 8:11 pmI was saddened to hear of Charmaine’s passing. I have many memories of being at the house with Shaunda and many gatherings of our families (along with many other families in our parents group) getting Christmas trees. She liked to laugh and had a great smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Shaunda Durance-Tod says
April 10, 2024 at 3:12 amThanks for sharing your memories, Barb. It is a great comfort to think back to all of the fun times we had!
Susan Bunney says
March 18, 2024 at 4:19 pmHeartfelt condolences ♥️
David Durance says
April 1, 2024 at 8:19 pmThank you very much, Susan
Ann Rafferty. says
March 18, 2024 at 5:46 pmDeepest condolences at the passing of Charmaine’s passing. Charmaine was a charming lady with a good sense of humour, she will be missed.
David Durance says
April 1, 2024 at 8:06 pmThank you so much, Ann!
liann sims says
March 18, 2024 at 7:32 pmSincere condolences to the Durance family, may you keep your memories close to your hearts .
David Durance says
April 1, 2024 at 8:07 pmThank you very much, Liann!
Linnea Humphrey says
March 19, 2024 at 1:38 amMy condolences to the entire Durance family. Delivering papers to your house was one of my favourite stops. along with the Cameron’s (as I cut across their lawn to get to your home). Mrs. Durance was always at the door on collection day, and there to sell me my first “fancy” shoes at Lana’s with her wonderful smile. A wonderful life well lived.
David Durance says
April 6, 2024 at 10:29 pmThank you very much, Linnea! I remember you delivering papers to our house. Mom loved to see young people working and actively engaged in their community.
Alan Woodworth says
March 19, 2024 at 1:38 amSincere condolences to all family and friends.
David Durance says
April 1, 2024 at 8:07 pmThank you very much, Al!
Micheline Lovenuk says
March 20, 2024 at 11:51 amIn March 1984 I was a new-comer to Dryden. Like a “fish out of water”, I often went in to Lana Shoes to “window shop” to pass the time. Mrs Durance must have sensed my awkwardness. She always took time to talk with me and show an interest in whatever I had to say. Her kindness has always remained with me. She may not have known how reassuring and calming she was for me. Since her kindness, whenever I meet other new-comers, I try to offer the same kind gesture. Rest in peace Mrs Durance. Thank you for your kindness.
David Durance says
April 1, 2024 at 8:09 pmThank you very much for sharing your thoughts and experience, Micheline! They are much appreciated!
Jamie Travis Leib says
March 22, 2024 at 12:42 pmI am so sorry to hear this sad news. I have such fond memories of Mrs. Durance at family events. Sending everyone my love and deepest condolences on your loss.
Jamie Travis Leib
Shaunda Durance-Tod says
April 10, 2024 at 3:15 amThanks for sharing your memories, Jamie! Your kindness is very much appreciated.
Jamie Travis Leib says
March 22, 2024 at 12:42 pmI am so sorry to hear this sad news. I have such fond memories of Mrs. Durance at family events. Sending everyone my love and deepest condolences on your loss.
Karen and Allen Mazurski says
March 22, 2024 at 9:10 pmShe always had a smile and a witty comment, and she noticed one’s shoes. Our condolences to all of her family.
David Durance says
April 1, 2024 at 8:10 pmThank you very much, Karen and Allen! This reminds me that I best polish my shoes.
Rick and Karen Smith says
April 9, 2024 at 1:42 pmWe were very sorry to learn about your Mom. I met her when she worked at the footwear store on Whyte Avenue and had some chats when the store moved to Earl /King. I still have a great pair of winter boots that I bought there! Our condolences to all of your family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Dryden Regional Health Centre Foundation, P.O. Box 3003, Dryden, ON P8N 2Z6.
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