Eleanor M. Durica, age 91 of Shawano, formerly of Sussex, passed away peacefully at her home in Shawano on Friday evening, September 29, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Eleanor was born February 8, 1932, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, a daughter of the late Raphael and Lydia (Lamb) Haas. She grew up on the family dairy farm in the Town of Pleasant Valley. Eleanor attended the parochial school in Eau Claire, graduating from Regis Catholic High School with the Class of 1950. Following high school, Eleanor attended the College of Medical Technology in Minneapolis, graduating in 1951. She worked at Luther Hospital for five years before moving to Pasadena, CA where she worked for a private practice physician. Eleanor returned to Eau Claire and was united in marriage to her love, Richard Durica, on June 30, 1956, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Following their marriage, the couple relocated to Milwaukee where Eleanor was employed at
Deaconess Hospital for nearly thirty years. She then worked for a private medical practice in Sussex, retiring in May of 1995 at the age of 63. In April of 2018 the couple happily relocated to Shawano. After 64 years of marriage, Richard preceded her in death on October 10, 2020. Eleanor was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Menomonee Falls where she was involved in Bible studies, RICA, and choir. She is a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano. Her hobbies included knitting, crocheting, gardening, camping, and traveling, and she especially loved reading and doing puzzles. In recent years she enjoyed traveling to warmer climates.
Survivors include her children, Barbara (Gary) Cumberland of Shawano, Richard J. (Julia) Durica II of Lannon, WI, David A. (Pauline) Durica of Emory, TX, and Michael S. (Lisa) Durica of North Port, FL; ten grandchildren, Matthew (Jessica) Cumberland, Andrew (Jennifer) Cumberland, Nathaniel (Lindsey) Cumberland, and Thomas Cumberland, Rebecca (Nicholas) Remsha, Joseph Durica, Sarah Durica, Bryce Durica, Brianna Durica, and Alexander Durica; four great-grandchildren, Ellie, Rylea, and Krew Cumberland, and Reagan Remsha; and several nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Margorie Haas, and Evelyn Nemitz; and two brothers, Joseph, and Gerald Miller.
A Funeral Mass for Eleanor will be celebrated on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 12:00 pm at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano. Fr. Edward Looney will be the Celebrant. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am and continue until 12:00 pm. Burial will be in Lake Drive Cemetery in the Town of Wescott.
Mickelson Funeral & Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences at www.mickelsonfs.com.
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