Crystal Marie Durdil (nee Cousineau), 82, passed away on September 16, 2023. She was a long-time Elmhurst resident of 57 years living in the same home. Crystal was a loving mother to Roger (Liza) Durdil of Elmhurst, Jennifer (Nate) Klinger of Elmhurst, and Amy (John) Anderson of Lombard. Mor-Mor, as she was affectionately known to her grandchildren, is also survived by Michael and Matthew Durdil; Rose, Wade, and Sarah Klinger; and Henry and Sage Anderson. Crystal had the joy of a blended family with additional grandchildren, Nathan (Becca) and Adam (Michelle) Klinger, and great-grandchildren Rhealynn and Trace Klinger. Crystal was also the dear sister of Carol (Cousineau) Conville, whom she had lived with for the last 30 years, and a fond aunt to Karin Conville, Kristin Dean, and Kirk Conville. Crystal is further survived by her former husband, Michael (Julaine) Durdil, and she leaves behind many close friends, especially Mary Ann Nawara. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Rose Cousineau, as well as her aunt and uncle, Roy and Annette Nordstrom, formerly of Elmhurst.
Crystal grew up in Cicero, Illinois where she attended Burnham grade school, Morton East High School (class of 1959), and subsequently attended Lincoln College. Before dedicating her adult years to raising her children, she was a flight attendant with American Airlines and worked for Chicago-based ophthalmologist, Theodore Zekman.
Following her move to Elmhurst, she was employed in various industries in the western suburbs including roles at several racquetball clubs, a Currency Exchange, a Christian Church, a flight attendant with a private charter airline and an office manager for an audiologist. Crystal was tirelessly and continuously employed during her adult years to remain in her home throughout retirement, a goal which she achieved.
Crystal was an avid member of the American Airlines Kiwi Club and she had several other interests throughout her lifetime. She spent many years playing racquetball, softball and was particularly passionate about bowling, participating in many leagues with family and friends. She introduced the love of this sport to all of her grandchildren and some of them continue to bowl competitively to this day. She loved tending to her flowers, both inside and outside, and often Crystal could be found relaxing on the backyard deck while eagerly anticipating visits by her family and friends. During baseball season, she faithfully watched the Cubs, and was much more than a fair-weather fan.
Crystal made a difference by generously donating her body to the Science Care program which supports medical advancements that improve the lives of future generations. If you would like to share a story, or information about how Crystal made a difference in your life, please follow the link below for others to enjoy: https://www.sciencecare.com/donor-memorial-tributes
A memorial service will be held at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Road on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 11:00 AM. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) in her name.
Info: Cappetta-DiCanio Funeral Directors 708 222-T-O-N-Y (8669) OR 708 222-F-R-E-D (3733). Visit Cappetta-dicanio.com to share your memories with the family.
