LEWISTON — Judith Pontbriand Durgin passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Dec. 11 at Central Maine Medical Center following a brief illness.

Judy was born on Oct. 11, 1942, in Portland, to Bertrand and Carmen Pontbriand. Her family moved to Auburn where she was educated and graduated from Edward Little High School with the Class of 1960. Judy’s love of children and her deep commitment to helping others led her to become a teacher, having graduated from Gorham State Teacher’s College in 1964.

In June of that year, Judy married her high school sweetheart, Peter Holmes Durgin. Together they raised three wonderful children and traveled the world.

Upon retirement from the U. S. Army, Judy and Peter settled in Auburn and resided on Taylor Pond. Her flower and vegetable gardens were beautiful and she tended to them with much love and care. Judy loved the outdoors and found great solace in walking the woods of Maine. Most special were the Moosehead and Stonington areas. She also loved the ocean and looked forward to long beach walks in Pine Point and Hawaii. She was an avid sea, river and pond kayaker and found much joy in all the treasures she found. Judy was a volunteer loon counter on Taylor Pond. It was a job she took seriously and a cause she truly believed in.

She worked with children in the Auburn school system for many years. She was kind and compassionate and a wonderful advocate for children.

Judy never turned down a call for help and was a loyal friend and confidant. Her patience and understanding were just two of her wonderful traits.

Judy was foremost a lovely wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She took great pride in her children and grandchildren. She will be sorely missed by her loving husband, Peter; her daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Greg Hammond and their children Michael, Sarah, and Caroline; her son John; her son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Adrienne Durgin and their children, Jacob and Miles; her mother, Carmen Pontbriand; and her sisters and their spouses Claire (Scott) Bryant, Jane (Bernie) Turner, Jan (Paul) Cutter, Connie (John) Maloney. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her father, Bertrand Pontbriand.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Durgin family by visiting their guestbook at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.

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