Wow its hard to Believe its been a Year since Barbara Left us. I know I gained a Great Friend when Barbara was My English Teacher in the 10th and 12th Grade and I consider it a Privilege to have Known Her. God Bless You Barbara I know you are Watching and Waiting.....

Dear Friends and family of Ms. Durkin, I was a 1973 student at Patapsco High School. She was an unforgettable drama teacher. She was an amazingly special, motivating friend and teacher to all who were in her charge. I loved her very much and it was important to me that I went to her book signing in Dundalk later in the 80s. She was quotable with all that her sense of humor lended to her classroom. I will miss knowing she's in this world but rejoice in knowing she's with the Angels now. God bless all that loved and miss her. Memories of this wonderful lady will comfort you. Debi Richardson Lynch

Twenty nine years ago I was a singer in local bands and Barbara called me up to do an interview over the phone for Rochester Women Magazine.  She was such a lovely person and made me feel so comfortable telling her my "story".  When the article came out, I was so happy for the way Barbara took my words and added her special artistic color.  I still have the piece and thank her for choosing me for the story. At that time in my life, I had recently lost my Mom and the band that I had spent 8 years in, trying to make it to the big time, broke up. The article lifted my spirits, something I really needed back then.  To her family and friends, I am so sorry for your loss. She was a very special person.

So sorry to hear of a fellow writer's death.  She and I both wrote about Dundalk.  I grew up in Dundalk as well but never had her for a teacher.  From my high school friends I understood she was a very good teacher.

I was just out at our DHS Class of 62 website and noticed and was sadden by the passing of my classmate Barbara.  To her family my condolences. Jerry Badinger Class of 62 DHS

Mom taught us so much about life.  Many people have been frustrated by her suffering over the years.  Some were even critical at times, however mom was always quick to remind us that “suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us”.  Mom really cared about people, she taught us about faith, love, and the importance of family.  She would sing and dance and tell the BEST stories.  And mom believed in me, she was always on my side.  Ever since I was a little guy, we were buddies.  I would sit with her and pat her hand and say, “Mumma, I am proud of you, it's gaiing to be aw wight!”  I love you ma, ten hundred million and six.

John - I am very sorry for your loss. Although, I only had the privilege to meet your mother twice, she was a very sweet and caring lady. I also saw how proud of you she was. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Barbara, was a teacher of mine in high school, she was one of the best teachers in Patapsco High. She made learning fun/ always had a smile and an kind word to her students. She was one of the best! God bless her husband, children and grandchildren and her friends, I know there is a big void in your lives:( Heaven gained an Angel! I will keep her family in my daily prayers <3

I would like to express my condolences to the Durkin and Wernecke families.  I did not have Ms. Wernecke as a teacher, but I remember her happy, joyous personality, and I remember when Mr. Durkin announced their engagement!  And I remember, years later, when I read her story in the Guidepost Angels edition, which was very uplifting.  Even though I did not know her personally, she touched my life in small ways, which caused me to remember her all this time.

May God bless you all as you mourn her passing, but we must remember that this is not the end of life.  In fact, it is but the beginning!

Dawn Clavey Ackley
Patapsco High School, class of 1973

Dear Durkin-Wernecke family and friends - how very sad that Barbara has gone ahead of us. In the wise words of Sesame Street, I send comfort and support:

"it's alright to cry, crying lets the sad out of you. It's alright to cry, crying lets the mad out of you. It's alright to feel things, tho the feelings may be strange. It's alright to feel things, tho they change and change and change......."

With sympathy and compassion. 
Sandi Ludwig Adams, DHS '58

Our condolances to you and your family.  It is a great comfort to know we will see our loved ones again and that we have all the wonderful memories of the life we shared with them.  The wonders that they must be experiencing in Heaven with God!!  We can only imagine.

From a member of the Dundalk High School Class of 1963, my condolences to Barbara's family, her legacy will remain with us through her vibrant personality and joyous writing.  Juliana Jubinsky L'Heureux Topsham, Maine

Bill, I was very saddened to hear of your loss. Please know our prayers are with you at this time.

Our heartfelt condolences to the family of our beloved Miss Wernecke (Durkin). We will miss her. I remember all the good times at Patapsco High School. Many times I would get my lines twisted and of course my German accent would play a big part. We would just give each other a funny look and then both burst out laughing. Thanks for the wonderful memories! Rest in peace you wonderful, kind and loving person!
Kurt Krenzischek
Class of 1970

I was sad to see of Ms. Durkin's passing. I knew Barb through her memorable work. Many of us became aware of her talent through her occasional newspaper columns and letters to the editor. Based on those, I arranged for her to give a series of "good customer service" seminars at Highland Hospital in Rochester. Her sessions were always packed full-SRO. I still quote her stories especially the one about "Woody Woodpeckered-haired" customer service reps,chomping on  bubble gum...Barb was hysterical and kept the audience mesmerized.She impacted and improved many lives and her family can be proud. 
My sympathies to you. What a great lady.

Dear Bill and Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss.  Barbara was strongly on my mind yesterday, and I did not know she had gone on in her journey toward Heaven.  I met Barbara when we were young mothers at Faith Lutheran, and we spent many a time together in women's groups doing everything from fixing dolls to studying the Word.  Our discussions were full of life. I once took a writing course to glean from some of her experience.  Barbara wrote an legacy poem for my parents and one for me that I will always treasure.  Though we did not see one another over the past few years, she has always been in my heart.  With love and knowing we will meet again in our new imperishable bodies - Karen Gibson

I am so sorry for your loss.
My her memory be a blessing.

Dundalk High School and Barbara Wernecke ...Memories that we will Never forget. Who else would understand the silliness of the phrase... Do the parrot walk across the asphalt! We did...you, me andy brother Jack . Hugs...Clare

To my all time Favorite Teacher, You will be missed. Thank for all the Good times so many years ago. God Bless You and May you be with Our Father in Heaven.

Barb is a very special person. Now she doesn't have any more pain and she is 
in a better place. We are the ones that have reason to be sad. Of course the thought of her dancing and laughing makes me smile. What a wonderful friend

I knew Mrs Durkin from Patapsco High School,she was always outgoing and years ahead of her time. She was a very understanding person and took the time to listen. There are not many teachers I remenber from school,but Ms Wernecke will always have a place in my heart.

I have many wonderful memories of my friendship with Barbara. The ones I hold dearest are of us in our 20's, gathered in her home with other friends from Towson's Glen Players. We laughed, we sang, we loved and supported one another. Happy times, indeed! That's how I'll always remember you, Barb.

Ms Durkin helped us see that life was to be enjoyed....and not to take ourselves too seriously in the process...she made a difference in all of us...RIP....Steve Jones PHS '75

I am very sad to hear of Barbara's passing.  She was a great influence in my life and the lives of many others I know.

I knew you Barbara through your good freind my wife Sandee and she always had great admiration and beautiful things to say about you!   I had the HONOR of meeting you a few years ago and was glad i did, Thank you for helping  and teaching Sandee with her writing... she has become a better writer because if it. REST IN PEACE Barbara!! you are loved and will be missed ...   

Glenn Johnston 
Kissimmee, Fl

Barbara was a good friend and because of her efforts three of of her college friends reunited after many years of separation. She was our glue and I'll never forget her sense of humor and her fun and silly comments about everything. She will be missed. Love you Bar!
Maggie

OBITUARY

Barbara Wernecke Durkin

January 13, 1944 – February 18, 2013

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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