Laura Durand

Laura M. Durand, 91, Jamestown, North Dakota died Thursday, October 13, 2005 at Hi-Acres Manor Nursing Center in Jamestown.

Laura Minnie Wescom was born August 27, 1914 in Vashti, North Dakota, to Frank Edward Wescom and Carrie A. (Denver) Wescom. She grew up in Edmunds, North Dakota, and graduated from Edmunds High School, later moving to Jamestown where she attended business college. While in Jamestown she met and married Clarence E. Durand on March 14, 1936. Two sons were born to them, Clifford Darwin and Curtiss Joel. From 1940 to 1947, the family lived in Wadena, Minnesota, and Valley City. In 1947, they returned to Jamestown, where they made their permanent home.

Laura was never employed outside the home after her marriage, but she used her talents to make her home an inviting and pleasant place, and her meals were always well planned and very tastefully served. She was very proud to list her occupation as ""Housewife"". These accomplishments didn't come easily because she had been a victim of polio at a very young age and only had the use of her left hand. Although she had been confined to a wheelchair for many years, she was always happy and cheerful. Laura had an indomitable spirit and persistence which inspired all who had the good fortune to know her.

In the early 1990's, because of aging, Clarence and Laura sold their home of nearly 50 years and moved to the Heritage Center. Following Clarence's death on July 12, 1998, Laura moved to Hi-Acres Manor where she was a resident until her demise.

Laura was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers and sisters. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law: Clifford Darwin (Julie) of San Miguel de Allende, Guanjarta, Mexico and Curtiss Joel (Martha Teeter) of Davis, California; six grandchildren (Renee, Michele, Nicole, Tia, Simone, and Charles); one brother-in-law, Clifford J. Durand of San Francisco; two sisters-in-law, Frances Marttila of Aberdeen, South Dakota; and Eunice Hess of Piedra, California; and many nieces and nephews, including Bob and Jane Eberhardt of Jamestown.

Services at a later date.