Kelly Durian Death, Obituary – Kelly Durian, 76, of Iowa City, Iowa, died quietly at home on January 12, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Doyle and Nellie (Rubey) Paul gave birth to Sue Paul in Fairfield, Iowa, on July 5. Her family farmed in Brighton, Iowa, and she went to high school in Fairfield, Iowa. Her husband, Fred, of Iowa City; daughter Denise (Michael) Gannon of Coralville; son Kelly (Ann) of Iowa City; eight grandchildren—Rachael, Jacob (fiance Kelly Schumer), Maria (Lucas Koester), Jonathan, and James Gannon; Erin, Leigh, and Gwyneth Durian; and one brother, Richard (Sandra) Paul—survive.
Her brother survives. Sue’s sister and brothers-in-law are Bill (Janet) Durian, Rosemary Humphreys, Nick (Arlene) Durian, Duane (Judy) Durian, Mary Ellen (Jerry) Jones, Jerry (Diane) Durian, Joe (Sue), Jim (Val), and Celeste (Kim) Croskrey. She graduated in 1961. She moved to Iowa City in 1961 to work for the University of Iowa Residence Services. In Iowa City, she married Fred Durian, her 57-year-old husband. Sue and Fred were great parents and grandparents to Denise, Kelly, and their two grandkids. After having children, Sue worked as a secretary for the Iowa City Community School District until her 2000 retirement. Sue worked at Lemme, Lincoln, Hoover, Southeast Junior High, and the Board Office.
She made lifelong connections in the school district. Sue was kind and selfless, always putting others first. She was a great hostess who liked playing cards, crocheting, seeing her grandkids and remaining active. Sue loved keeping dogs since she grew up on a farm. She attended Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Iowa City and traveled the world with her husband and friends in retirement. Iowa City’s church. Hawaii, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, South America, the Galapagos Islands, and European river cruises are among our favorite trips. Sue spent a lot of time volunteering at St. Mary’s and Mercy Hospital, helping with funeral banquets and administrative work.