1915-2003

FARMINGTON – Maxine Hilma Wirta Durrell, 88, of Temple, died peacefully Thursday, Nov. 27, at the Franklin Memorial Hospital in Farmington, following a long illness.

Born in Temple, Oct. 9, 1915, a daughter of Frederick and Hilma (Koivuniemi) Wirta, she was educated in Temple schools and lived her entire life in Temple.

On July 4, 1942, she married, J. Calvin Durrell in Farmington. Prior to her marriage, she worked at Forster Manufacturing Co. in Strong. After marriage, she spent the remainder of her life as a devoted homemaker, wife and mother.

She was well known as a great cook, especially for her breads, pies, Finnish “nisua” and her special spaghetti sauce. She enjoyed growing flowers and vegetables and canning vegetables and fruits for her family’s use. She was skilled at sewing and many types of needle work, making many items of clothing as well as mittens and socks for her family.

She loved going to the ocean, long walks, searching for rocks and minerals, finding wild flowers to transplant into her flower garden, amateur photography and all animals. She had many pet cats over the years and one special dog, “Ginger.”

Mrs. Durrell was also very proud of her Finnish heritage and was very interested in learning anything about Finland and Finn people. She also spoke Finnish fluently.

In recent years declining health had forced her to be less active but she never lost interest in the world around her. Her favorite television shows were the news, “Face the Nation”, “Meet the Press” and golf if Tiger Woods was playing.

She was extremely proud of her family and was always interested and involved in the lives of her grandchildren and first great granddaughter, Alyssa Ann. She was dearly loved and will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

Survivors include: her husband of 61 years, J. Calvin Durrell; a daughter, Karen Gagne and her husband, Ronald; grandchildren, Kevin and Tracy Gagne, Karla Gagne and Sean Gagne; great-granddaughter, Alyssa Ann; two special friends, Elizabeth Toothaker-Burdin and June Brisbin; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by a sister, Aili Christopher.