Obituary for Alice Ann Durben (Trombley)
Durben, Alice A, Age 95, formerly of Acton and Hudson, MA, died unexpectedly July 13, 2020 at Robbins Brook Senior Living in Acton, MA where she recently moved. She was predeceased in 2009 by her loving husband James M. Durben. Alice is survived by her family, Marya and Peter, Mike and Maria, Tom and Sandy, Nancy and Ian, Jean and Don, her 10 beautiful grandchildren & beloved great-grandchild; beloved sisters Lee, Sr. Agnes, brother Phil, nieces and nephews galore. Funeral arrangements are private.
At 95 years young Alice was amazing. She raised 5 nearly fantastic kids and never yelled once. All it took was one raised eyebrow to make her point but otherwise she found that her faith in God and living by example were the best tools to keep her kids in tow. But it wasn’t until the next generation came along that it was evident that love, patience, generosity and more love truly are the seeds of good things to come. How else can one explain that each of her children found love and by doing so surrounded her with 10 truly fantastic grandkids and one simply spectacular great grandchild.
Alice was born in 1924 in Somerset Wisconsin, the daughter of George and Agnes. She met Jim in Los Angeles California on the dance floor of an Arthur Murray studio where she taught and Jim came to learn. Love at first waltz. They were married for 52 wonderful years. He was a mechanical engineer, classical music lover and quiet man. She was an artist and homemaker extraordinaire who kept us fed, semi bathed and outdoors as much as possible. We watched the Muppets, Sunday Disney Hour and Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom together. Oh yeah, and "All in the Family." We grew up on homemade bread, powdered milk and a whole lot of cookie dough. We never came home from school without her being there. She loved a good debate tackling everything from parenthood to politics. She loved us all dearly and was an inspiration to many.
There was not a single moment between this life on earth and the start of her life in Heaven. Moms never really leave us. They spend their lives gently tip toeing across our hearts leaving imprints of love and understanding. Our hearts are aching but full. We always want more time even when we know our time is not endless. But love is endless, and she always lived with a cup of it, so much to give with just enough room for more.
So, if you knew our Mom, you know you were blessed. Her entire family loved her immensely and will miss her greatly. Just look outside and whatever beautiful thing you see, you will see our mom in it. Understanding the beauty in this world is to understand her. She was spunky, stubborn, fiercely independent, loving, kind, and simply wonderful. She made us smile and laugh whole heartedly. May she continue to make her little footprints on our hearts and laugh in peace with God and with all those family and friends who loved her and are with her now in Heaven.
Bring on the flowers but plant them in your yard. Our Mom loved roses and they'll keep blooming if you keep pruning. She loved Sr Linda Koontz’s Spirit of the Lord Int'l Ministry, and for years our Mom has supported her work in El Paso, Texas. Memorial contributions may be made in Alice’s name to this charity. Or, if there is a charity you support, consider doing so in her name. We recently spoke with Sr. Linda and donations sent directly to the address below are the only way to reach her organization. That will keep our Mom smiling in Heaven. And if nothing else, just be kind to your neighbor. We need a little more kindness in this world.
Spirit of the Lord Int'l Ministry, Sr. Linda Koontz, 8900 A-N Viscount #260, El Paso, Texas 79925-5897
Memorial page actonfuneralhome.com
At 95 years young Alice was amazing. She raised 5 nearly fantastic kids and never yelled once. All it took was one raised eyebrow to make her point but otherwise she found that her faith in God and living by example were the best tools to keep her kids in tow. But it wasn’t until the next generation came along that it was evident that love, patience, generosity and more love truly are the seeds of good things to come. How else can one explain that each of her children found love and by doing so surrounded her with 10 truly fantastic grandkids and one simply spectacular great grandchild.
Alice was born in 1924 in Somerset Wisconsin, the daughter of George and Agnes. She met Jim in Los Angeles California on the dance floor of an Arthur Murray studio where she taught and Jim came to learn. Love at first waltz. They were married for 52 wonderful years. He was a mechanical engineer, classical music lover and quiet man. She was an artist and homemaker extraordinaire who kept us fed, semi bathed and outdoors as much as possible. We watched the Muppets, Sunday Disney Hour and Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom together. Oh yeah, and "All in the Family." We grew up on homemade bread, powdered milk and a whole lot of cookie dough. We never came home from school without her being there. She loved a good debate tackling everything from parenthood to politics. She loved us all dearly and was an inspiration to many.
There was not a single moment between this life on earth and the start of her life in Heaven. Moms never really leave us. They spend their lives gently tip toeing across our hearts leaving imprints of love and understanding. Our hearts are aching but full. We always want more time even when we know our time is not endless. But love is endless, and she always lived with a cup of it, so much to give with just enough room for more.
So, if you knew our Mom, you know you were blessed. Her entire family loved her immensely and will miss her greatly. Just look outside and whatever beautiful thing you see, you will see our mom in it. Understanding the beauty in this world is to understand her. She was spunky, stubborn, fiercely independent, loving, kind, and simply wonderful. She made us smile and laugh whole heartedly. May she continue to make her little footprints on our hearts and laugh in peace with God and with all those family and friends who loved her and are with her now in Heaven.
Bring on the flowers but plant them in your yard. Our Mom loved roses and they'll keep blooming if you keep pruning. She loved Sr Linda Koontz’s Spirit of the Lord Int'l Ministry, and for years our Mom has supported her work in El Paso, Texas. Memorial contributions may be made in Alice’s name to this charity. Or, if there is a charity you support, consider doing so in her name. We recently spoke with Sr. Linda and donations sent directly to the address below are the only way to reach her organization. That will keep our Mom smiling in Heaven. And if nothing else, just be kind to your neighbor. We need a little more kindness in this world.
Spirit of the Lord Int'l Ministry, Sr. Linda Koontz, 8900 A-N Viscount #260, El Paso, Texas 79925-5897
Memorial page actonfuneralhome.com