Joan Priscilla Durren

Joan Priscilla Durren, 93, formerly of St. Joseph, passed away, Wednesday, August 21, 2019, at Woodland Terrace in Bridgman where she resided. Funeral Services will be held 10:30 A.M. Friday, August 30, 2019 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 914 Lane Dr., St. Joseph with The Rev. Diane Pike officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Thursday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial donations in Joan’s name may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Those wishing to sign Joan’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Joan was born March 2, 1926 in Kalamazoo to Carl & Irene (Osborne) Meisterheim. She graduated from Dowagiac High School, Class of 1944 and earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Western Michigan College. On June 26, 1948 she married Gene Durren in Dowagiac. After teaching for two years, she devoted her time to raising and caring for her family. She was a cook extraordinaire, enjoyed knitting, needlepoint & cross-stitch and playing golf. Joan & Gene were member of Berrien Hills and attended the Master’s Tournament in Augusta for many years. Joan was a long-time member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church where she was active with the Altar Guild. She served as Diocesan President of the Episcopal Church Women and was awarded the Bishop’s Cross in the Episcopal Diocese of West Michigan. Joan was also active with Birthright and the League of Women Voters. Joan is survived by her children-Michael (Rev. Paula) Durren of New Buffalo, Amy Durren of St. Joseph, Steven (Janet) Durren of Adrian, MI; five grandchildren-Jennifer (John) Francis, Sarah (Jason) Paturalski, Rachel (Michael) Klotz, Jeremy (Celeste) Durren,Zachary (Jennifer) Durren; ten great-grandchildren-Jack, Ruby & Luna Francis, Olivia, & Alex Paturalski, Kayla, Leslie & Everett Durren, Graham & Beatrix Durren; her brother Richard (Doloros) Meisterheim of Dowagiac; a brother-in-law Jon (Janie) Durren of Pierson, MI; and numerous nieces & nephews. Joan was preceded in death by her husband Gene on November 16, 2010, by her father Carl, and by her mother & step-father-Irene & Glenn Berry, DDS.