<div dir="ltr"><div>Hi Everyone,</div><div>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. </div><div>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.</div><div>Jeremy 614-519-3026</div><div><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">____________________</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><b>Jeremy W. Grandstaff </b>(He/Him) </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Executive Director, <a href="http://inspirationfoundation.org" target="_blank">The Inspiration Foundation</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Learning & Organization Development Strategist</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif">\U0001f440 </span></b><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmWk7MEfFP4" target="_blank">2025TEDxYpsilanti Speaker</a> | Podcast Guest <a href="https://youtu.be/GMSOH7Llj_U" target="_blank">(Sphere of Influence)</a></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif">\u270d\ufe0f</span></b><b> Author of Upcoming Book on Building
Stronger Organizational Culture </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal">Office: 202-810-5368 | Cell: 614-519-3026 | <a href="mailto:jwg@SGEndeavors.com" target="_blank">jwg@SGEndeavors.com</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://wa.me/16145193026" target="_blank">WhatsApp Call/Message</a>
| <a href="http://linkedin.com/in/jeremygrandstaff" target="_blank">Connect on
LinkedIn</a> | <a href="http://calendly.com/jwg-1/4" target="_blank">Schedule with me</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif">\U0001f4a1</span></b><b> Always
open to bold conversations around Leadership Growth, learning & Development, Culture, Improving Your Bottom Line, and Increasing Employment of People With Disabilities.<br></b></p></div></div></div><br><br><div class="gmail_quote gmail_quote_container"><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_attr">---------- Forwarded message ---------<br>From: <strong class="gmail_sendername" dir="auto">jackibruce6--- via NFBV-Announce</strong> <span dir="auto"><<a href="mailto:nfbv-announce@nfbnet.org">nfbv-announce@nfbnet.org</a>></span><br>Date: Fri, Jul 17, 2026 at 10:21\u202fAM<br>Subject: [NFBV-Announce] Visitation and Celebration of Life Details for Mary Durbin<br>To: NFBV Announce <<a href="mailto:nfbv-announce@nfbnet.org">nfbv-announce@nfbnet.org</a>><br></div><br><br><div class="msg-1577647901119218324"><div lang="EN-US" link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style="word-wrap:break-word"><div class="m_-1577647901119218324WordSection1"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">From: Tracy Soforenko, President<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">We have received information about the visitation and celebration of life for Mary Durbin.</span><u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Source Sans Pro";color:#444444;background:#fafafa">The link to the obituary and service announcement can be found at the link below but is also pasted here for your convenience:</span><u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;background:#fafafa;vertical-align:baseline"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Source Sans Pro";color:#444444">\u201cIt 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.</span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;background:#fafafa;vertical-align:baseline;box-sizing:border-box;outline:none 0px;font-variant-numeric:inherit;font-variant-east-asian:inherit;font-variant-alternates:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"> </span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;background:#fafafa;vertical-align:baseline;box-sizing:border-box;outline:none 0px;font-variant-numeric:inherit;font-variant-east-asian:inherit;font-variant-alternates:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Source Sans Pro";color:#444444">\u201cMary 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.</span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;background:#fafafa;vertical-align:baseline;box-sizing:border-box;outline:none 0px;font-variant-numeric:inherit;font-variant-east-asian:inherit;font-variant-alternates:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"> </span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;background:#fafafa;vertical-align:baseline;box-sizing:border-box;outline:none 0px;font-variant-numeric:inherit;font-variant-east-asian:inherit;font-variant-alternates:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Source Sans Pro";color:#444444">\u201cAt the core of Mary's existence was her boundless love and devotion to family and community. A devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, \u201cGrandma/Mema\u201d, 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.</span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;background:#fafafa;vertical-align:baseline;box-sizing:border-box;outline:none 0px;font-variant-numeric:inherit;font-variant-east-asian:inherit;font-variant-alternates:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"> </span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;background:#fafafa;vertical-align:baseline;box-sizing:border-box;outline:none 0px;font-variant-numeric:inherit;font-variant-east-asian:inherit;font-variant-alternates:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Source Sans Pro";color:#444444">\u201cMary 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\u2019s 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.</span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;background:#fafafa;vertical-align:baseline;box-sizing:border-box;outline:none 0px;font-variant-numeric:inherit;font-variant-east-asian:inherit;font-variant-alternates:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"> </span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;background:#fafafa;vertical-align:baseline;box-sizing:border-box;outline:none 0px;font-variant-numeric:inherit;font-variant-east-asian:inherit;font-variant-alternates:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Source Sans Pro";color:#444444">\u201cMary's legacy is carried forward by her beloved husband of 24 years, Scott Durbin; her cherished dog Snickers \u201cPuppy\u201d; 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.</span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;background:#fafafa;vertical-align:baseline;box-sizing:border-box;outline:none 0px;font-variant-numeric:inherit;font-variant-east-asian:inherit;font-variant-alternates:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"> </span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;background:#fafafa;vertical-align:baseline;box-sizing:border-box;outline:none 0px;font-variant-numeric:inherit;font-variant-east-asian:inherit;font-variant-alternates:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Source Sans Pro";color:#444444">\u201cPreceded 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.</span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;background:#fafafa;vertical-align:baseline;box-sizing:border-box;outline:none 0px;font-variant-numeric:inherit;font-variant-east-asian:inherit;font-variant-alternates:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"> </span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;background:#fafafa;vertical-align:baseline;box-sizing:border-box;outline:none 0px;font-variant-numeric:inherit;font-variant-east-asian:inherit;font-variant-alternates:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Source Sans Pro";color:#444444">\u201cA 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.</span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;background:#fafafa;vertical-align:baseline;box-sizing:border-box;outline:none 0px;font-variant-numeric:inherit;font-variant-east-asian:inherit;font-variant-alternates:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"> </span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;background:#fafafa;vertical-align:baseline;box-sizing:border-box;outline:none 0px;font-variant-numeric:inherit;font-variant-east-asian:inherit;font-variant-alternates:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Source Sans Pro";color:#444444">\u201cIn 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\u2019s Silver Bells program.</span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;background:#fafafa;vertical-align:baseline;box-sizing:border-box;outline:none 0px;font-variant-numeric:inherit;font-variant-east-asian:inherit;font-variant-alternates:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"> </span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;background:#fafafa;vertical-align:baseline;box-sizing:border-box;outline:none 0px;font-variant-numeric:inherit;font-variant-east-asian:inherit;font-variant-alternates:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Source Sans Pro";color:#444444">\u201cWhile 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.\u201d</span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;background:#fafafa;vertical-align:baseline"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Source Sans Pro";color:#444444"> </span><u></u><u></u></p><p style="margin:0in;background:#fafafa;vertical-align:baseline"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">To make a contribution to Silver Bells in Mary\u2019s name, please visit:</span><u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><a href="https://nfbv.org/give" target="_blank"><span style="color:#0563c1">https://nfbv.org/give</span></a></span><u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">To read the obituary directly, please visit:</span><u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Source Sans Pro";color:#444444;background:#fafafa"><a href="https://www.altmeyerfuneralandcremation.com/obituaries/Mary-Reid-Durbin?obId=49024160" target="_blank"><span style="color:#1155cc">https://www.altmeyerfuneralandcremation.com/obituaries/Mary-Reid-Durbin?obId=49024160</span></a></span><u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt"> <u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">Peace,<u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal">Jacki Bruce<u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="mailto:jackibruce6@gmail.com" target="_blank">mailto:jackibruce6@gmail.com</a> or <a href="mailto:membership@nfbv.org" target="_blank">membership@nfbv.org</a> <u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="tel:(757)291-1789" target="_blank">tel:(757)291-1789</a><u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal">Find us on Facebook @NationalFederationoftheBlindofVirginia<u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal">Find us on Instragram @nfbofvirginia<u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal">Subscribe to our Youtube: NFB Virginia<u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.nfbv.org/" target="_blank">www.nfbv.org</a><u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p></div></div>_______________________________________________<br>
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