Mary Lou (Durfee) Gurnee

Our dear loving wife and mother went home to be with her Lord and Savior from her home surrounded by her family on March 5, 2025 after a lengthy illness.

She was born to Otis and Katherine (Bowes) Durfee in Meadville, PA, February 26, 1941.

She graduated from Randolph East Mead High School in 1959 and from Edinboro State Teacher’s College in 1963 with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education. She was a member of the Edinboro College Choir. Later, she took classes at Clarion University. She taught in the public schools in Franklin, PA, in the Crawford Central School District and at Stoneboro Wesleyan Methodist School. Her favorite grade to teach was 4th grade.  She taught for more reasons than to just a paycheck. She really loved to help children excel and had a special passion for helping children that had difficulties and especially those that disliked school. She was very successful in helping many of them develop confidence in themselves, love school and to be model students.

On July 29, 1967, she married the love of her life, R. James Gurnee. They had 2 children: Bethany Gurnee and Byron Gurnee.

She was a member of the Meadville Wesleyan Methodist Church where she was a Sunday School teacher, piano player and the church treasurer for many years. Later she became a member of the Allida Smith Wesleyan Methodist Church and later attended the Reash Community Church.

She was an Auxiliary member of Gideons International since 1985 where she served as secretary/treasurer of the Crawford Camp.

At the age of 9 when her mother went back to teaching, she started to help cook for the family of 9. Not only was she an excellent cook, but her family would attest that she made the best strawberry jam ever.

One of the most memorable things that happened to her back in 2001, was when God healed her after having a seizure that greatly paralyzed her left side.

She was known and loved for being a person of prayer.

She is survived by her husband and their children, Bethany of Meadville, and Rev. Byron J. (Abby) Gurnee of Albion, PA, grandchildren Kenton (Mya), Vincent, Kendra, Alyssa Gurnee and Austin Nelson, and a great grandson Grayson Gurnee. She also is survived by her brother Mark Durfee (Rosemary) of Erie, PA, her sister-in-laws Dolores Durfee of Erie, PA, Anja Durfee of Meadville, Carol Durfee of Girard, PA and Margaret Adams of Salem, OH, as well as many nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents, four of her brothers, Otis Jr., David, Thomas, and John Durfee.

A Celebration of life will be held on March 15, 2025, at 1:00 pm at the Reash Community Church 4931 State Highway 19 Cochranton Pa 16314 with her son Rev. Byron Gurnee and her pastor Rev. Nathan Bailey officiating. Calling hours prior to service from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Robert L. Snyder Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 3223 Perry Hwy. Sheakleyville

.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Mary Lou (Durfee) Gurnee, please visit our Tree Store.