Yolanda Maria Durning

YOLANDA M. DURNING formerly of Pelham Manor, NY, died peacefully on December 5, 2017. She was 79 years old. Fondly known as "Mamabird" and "Cool Breeze" by her children, Yollie to her siblings and parents, and Aunt Yollie to her dozens of nieces and nephews, Yolanda was born and raised in Middle Village, Queens where she graduated from Newtown High School. She met her husband, Philip M. Durning, through mutual friends in New Rochelle. Together they raised their children, Philip and Sarah, in Pelham Manor. She enjoyed a long career as a secretary for the New York City Board of Education.

Yolanda loved living in Pelham and was one of the founding members of the Pelham Art Center, the President of the Pelham Children's Theater, and an organizer of a youth program called Something on Sunday. She enjoyed warm, good humored, and lasting friendships throughout her entire life. She was funny and charming. Yolanda loved to play (and teach) bridge, tennis, and basketball. She was always open to trying new experiences, whether it be country line dancing or white water rafting. Her favorite museum was the Hirschorn in Washington D.C. and her favorite broadway show was West Side Story. She was a loving, generous, fun, and thoughtful woman and will be terribly missed.

Yolanda is survived by her cherished children, Philip (Dawn) and Sarah.

She was predeceased by her husband, Philip M. Durning, and brother, Raymond Garbiras. She is also survived by her sister, Josephine Ruffino, and brother, David Garbiras, and 38 nephews and nieces, their spouses and children.

A celebration of Yolanda's life will take place at the Pelham Funeral Home located at 64 Lincoln Avenue, Pelham NY on Wednesday December 13th, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church 575 Fowler Ave in Pelham Manor on Thursday, December 14th at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. For more information or to leave a condolence please visit pelhamfuneral.com.