The world lost an amazing woman Wednesday night. She wasn't a current student, or a former professor or former college president but that doesn't mean she is any less deserving of inches dedicated to her in The Observer.
Tina Durski has been employed at Notre Dame in various positions since the 90s, but most recently she was the administrative assistant for the Band of the Fighting Irish.
I've known Tina and her family for the past six years after meeting her daughter, Krista, in Spanish class during my first year at Saint Mary's. She quickly became my Mom away from home letting us do our laundry at her house and making sure we were well fed.
Sophomore year, my best friend joined the band and I got to know Tina on a different level. She loved every single person who carried those instruments, no matter if they were band members, band managers or band best friends. I never once walked into her office when she didn't say hello and genuinely ask how my day was. She always managed to make me laugh and never hesitated to tell me when I was being a little crazy.
My college experience was what it was because she was a part of it — so many experiences wouldn't have happened without her.
Tina was one of the strongest women I know and she fought hard through the end. I feel blessed to have been given time to see her one last time and say goodbye as she pushed herself to attend the infamous Durski tailgate before the USF game. She raised three great children, had an awesome husband and a job where she got to see a ton of students who she loved and who loved her each day. If that isn't the definition of a good life that we should celebrate, I don't know what is.
Tina was a mother away from home to all of us, and I'm sure I speak for a lot of people when I say that she will be missed greatly and her loss will be felt immensely.
Rest in Peace, Tina. Thank you for touching my life and helping make my time at Saint Mary's great.
Liz Harter
Class of ‘09, Former Saint Mary's Editor
Cincinnati, OH
Sept. 8
