Christine Marie "Tina" Durham

MILLBURY – Christine Marie “Tina” Durham, 61, of Millbury, died Sunday, November 24, 2024 at St. Vincent Hospital, Worcester surrounded by her loving family.

She leaves behind her niece whom she raised, Nahani Meuse of Millbury and Nahani's children: Jason, Elyjah, Julian, Josiah, Craig & Lynnese with whom she resided.

Tina also leaves behind 2 brothers: Kenneth Durham of Normal, IL and Jerry Guzzie of Springfield, IL; nephew Michael Wheelock of Bolivar, MO and his children Alexander & Selina Wheelock; nephew Travis Hatfield of Decatur, IL; niece Merickia Wheelock of Chicago, IL; niece Kate Bagg of Northfield, VT and niece Esther Briddell of Millbury, MA; great-nieces Ariella & Jasmine Hussemann of Normal, IL.

She also leaves behind her maternal aunt Betty Stewart of Decatur, IL, with whom she was very close, Uncle Jim & Aunt Louise Heidlebaugh of Decatur, IL and Uncle Charles Heidlebaugh of California, several cousins, friends and god-children also mourn her passing.  She was predeceased by her parents, both sets of grandparents, Uncle Leroy Stewart, sister Deanna Kiliman, great-nephew Anthony Wheelock, best friends Robert Rogers and Cynthia Troxel and numerous beloved pets from throughout her lifetime.

She was born April 29, 1963 in Decatur, IL, daughter of the late Marvin Louis Durham and Ruth Ellen Heidlebaugh.  She received numerous degrees in Early Childhood Education from Heartland Community College and Illinois State University in Normal, IL.

Christine never married or had her own children, but she raised her nieces & nephews and was a caregiver to dozens of children throughout her lifetime. She operated her own daycare facility for more than 20 years in Lincoln, IL before “retiring” and moving across the country with her niece & best friend Nahani.  

Her faith was very important to her.  She loved animals and had many beloved pets throughout her lifetime. She operated Helping Hands for Hounds Inc, a non-profit dog rescue, for more than 15 years with Nahani.  Tina loved the holidays, reading, music and baking.

The light of her life was her nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Funeral services will be private and in the care of Rice Funeral Home, 300 Park Ave, Worcester.  Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude, ASPCA or Helping Hands for Hounds Inc.