[NFBV-Fairfax] Fwd: [NFBV-Announce] Visitation and Celebration of Life Details for Mary Durbin

[Jeremy Grandstaff]

Hi Everyone,
Please see this important update on the services for Mary Durbin, who we
unexpectedly lost earlier this week. Mary left a huge mark on NFB and blind
and low vision peoples lives.
I don't have a way to drive down for the service, but if you are able and
planning to go, please let m eknow.
Jeremy 614-519-3026



____________________

*Jeremy W. Grandstaff *(He/Him)

Executive Director, The Inspiration Foundation
<http://inspirationfoundation.org>

Learning & Organization Development Strategist

*👀 **2025TEDxYpsilanti Speaker
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmWk7MEfFP4> | Podcast Guest (Sphere of
Influence) <https://youtu.be/GMSOH7Llj_U>*

*✍️** Author of Upcoming Book on Building Stronger Organizational Culture *


Office: 202-810-5368 | Cell: 614-519-3026 | jwg at SGEndeavors.com

WhatsApp Call/Message <https://wa.me/16145193026> |  Connect on LinkedIn
<http://linkedin.com/in/jeremygrandstaff> | Schedule with me
<http://calendly.com/jwg-1/4>



*💡*
* Always open to bold conversations around Leadership Growth, learning &
Development, Culture, Improving Your Bottom Line, and Increasing Employment
of People With Disabilities.*


---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: jackibruce6--- via NFBV-Announce <nfbv-announce at nfbnet.org>
Date: Fri, Jul 17, 2026 at 10:21 AM
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] Visitation and Celebration of Life Details for
Mary Durbin
To: NFBV Announce <nfbv-announce at nfbnet.org>






From: Tracy Soforenko, President



We have received information about the visitation and celebration of life
for Mary Durbin.



The link to the obituary and service announcement can be found at the link
below but is also pasted here for your convenience:



“It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well-lived that
we announce the passing of Mary Reid Durbin, who left this world
unexpectedly on July 14, 2026, at the age of 68. Born on July 9, 1958, Mary
was a life-long resident of Virginia Beach, Virginia. She spent her
formative years in the embrace of a loving family.



“Mary was a true "Jane of all trades," a visionary entrepreneur and a
compassionate soul whose impact touched everyone she encountered. As the
founder of Puter Tutor, she not only championed her own business but also
empowered countless other blind people to embrace assistive technology with
confidence and enthusiasm. Her professional journey was marked by an
unwavering dedication to helping others succeed.



“At the core of Mary's existence was her boundless love and devotion to
family and community. A devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt,
“Grandma/Mema”, and great grandmother, she cherished her role in nurturing
those around her. Her heart was as expansive as her spirit, always putting
others before herself. This selflessness extended beyond her family to her
passions, which included a remarkable collection of angels and cherubs
reflecting her admiration for these celestial symbols of protection and
guidance.



“Mary was deeply embedded in her community, contributing her time and
energy as a servant-leader in the Towncenter Blind Lions Club and the
National Federation of the Blind of Virginia (NFBV). In particular, Mary
devoted herself to the NFBV’s Silver Bells program which empowers older
blind people to learn independent living skills. Her commitment to these
organizations exemplified her dedication to service and advocacy, inspiring
those within and beyond these communities.



“Mary's legacy is carried forward by her beloved husband of 24 years, Scott
Durbin; her cherished dog Snickers “Puppy”; her children, Theresa (Chris)
Willis, Mike McCann, Timothy McCann, Brian (Danielle) McCann, and Ashley
Durbin; her grandchildren, Felicia (Andrew) Willis, Leo Willis, and Kylee
McCann; and her great-grandson, Aiden Willis. She is also survived by her
brother-in-law, Matt Slater; her niece, Samantha "Sam" Slater; and her
lifelong friends, Cindy Elswick and Barbara (Charles) Spicer, in addition
to a multitude of friends who were touched by her kindness and generosity.



“Preceded in death by her parents, Russell "Duck" and Barbara Reid; her
great aunt, Alice E. Moore; her brother, Kelly Reid; her sister, Becky Reid
Slater, and her nephew Zachery Slater. Mary's reunion with them is surely
filled with joy and peace.



“A visitation will be held at Altmeyer Funeral Home-Southside Chapel,
located at 5033 Rouse Drive in Virginia Beach, on Saturday, July 18, 2026,
from 11 a.m. to noon, with a Celebration of Life to follow immediately
thereafter. Altmeyer Funeral Home-Southside Chapel is honored to serve Mary
and her family during this difficult time.



“In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the
Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) and the National Federation of
the Blind of Virginia’s Silver Bells program.



“While we mourn the passing of such a remarkable woman, we also celebrate
the indelible mark she left on our hearts and lives. Mary's life was a
testament to love, service, and inspiration. She will be dearly missed but
never forgotten.”



To make a contribution to Silver Bells in Mary’s name, please visit:



https://nfbv.org/give



To read the obituary directly, please visit:



https://www.altmeyerfuneralandcremation.com/obituaries/Mary-Reid-Durbin?obId=49024160





Peace,



Jacki Bruce



mailto:jackibruce6 at gmail.com <jackibruce6 at gmail.com> or membership at nfbv.org

tel:(757)291-1789 <(757)291-1789>



Find us on Facebook @NationalFederationoftheBlindofVirginia

Find us on Instragram @nfbofvirginia

Subscribe to our Youtube: NFB Virginia

www.nfbv.org


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