November 6, 1938 – June 9, 2013

Mary Ann (Barrie) Durfee of Crooked River Ranch died on June 9, 2013, two years to the day after the death of her husband, Spike. She fought a courageous and inspiring 10-year battle with breast cancer and its complications. She was 74.

Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 22 at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Redmond.

Mary Ann was born November 6, 1938, in Yakima, Wash., to John and Patricia (Monahan) Barrie. She graduated from Holy Names Academy in Seattle and received her nursing degree at Seattle University. She met Spike Durfee while he was attending the University of Washington.

They were married at St. James Cathedral in Seattle June 7, 1958. In 1962 they and their young son settled in Spike’s hometown of Redmond, where she continued to pursue nursing. She later received a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Portland.

Mrs. Durfee worked at various clinics and Central Oregon District Hospital, taught nursing at Central Oregon Community College in Bend for 10 years until 1978, and returned to CODH where she worked in nursing and administration until she retired in 2000.

While at COCC Mary Ann also served on the board of the Oregon Nurses Association and played a significant role with her husband in establishing training emergency medical technicians in a newly emerging system developed by the Redmond Fire Department.

Mary Ann was active in many organizations including Soroptimists, Beta Sigma Phi, the Red Hat Society and several cancer support groups. She and Spike were snowmobile enthusiasts and enjoyed RV travel. She was an avid hiker and enjoyed working out regularly with her gym friends.

She is survived by her son, Barrie, and his wife, Lori, of Tumalo, and their children, Brandice and Bo. She is also survived by her sister, Sue Contreras of Kirkland, Wash.; a brother, Brian of Poulsbo, Wash.; many nieces and nephews; and seven foster children. Her dear friend, Barbara Welch, and son were at her side when she passed.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Durfee Fire and Rescue Scholarship established by Redmond Fire and Rescue, 341 NW Dogwood Ave., Redmond, Oregon 97756.

Mary Ann Durfee