[Magdalen] Jennifer Durand+, RIP

[Grace Cangialosi]

The Rev. Jennifer Durand, Associate Rector at the Church of Our Saviour in Charlottesville, VA, died last night after a courageous battle with ALS. I know that listsib Eleanor Braun knew her, and perhaps others of you did, as well. I think she was about 47.

I have never witnessed the kind of faithful courage she displayed. Just two weeks ago she presided over the first half of a service celebrating the 25th ordination anniversary of her rector, aided by her computer voice and motorized chair, both of which she activated by moving her head. The following Sunday she announced that she could no longer participate in the liturgy. She wrote wonderful sermons right up to the end, which were delivered by readers to the congregation. She was also writing a book about this experience.

May she rest in peace and rise in Glory.