Monica Durnell

Monica Durnell (neé Daniel) was born on July 30, 1936 in Bridgetown, Barbados and passed away on May 27, 2026, in Orlando, Florida. Growing up in Barbados, she was known for her outgoing nature including a fondness for moonlight picnics. After graduating from the Modern High School, she taught at her alma mater for a short time before starting nursing studies in Barbados. She finished her nursing degree in Saskatchewan, Canada, after being selected to be in the group of first-ever black students admitted to the St. Elizabeth Hospital School of Nursing. Monica thrived and graduated in 1959 as valedictorian. She started her nursing career in Miami hospitals before settling in New York City, where she married Bill Durnell in 1963. Later, Monica became a U.S. citizen in 1967.

In 1983, Monica and her dear friend, Marge Plummer, became followers of Jesus. She spread the gospel fearlessly to all who would listen and developed an encyclopedic knowledge and understanding of scripture. For many years she hosted a weekly prayer meeting at her home and was the president of the local chapter of Women's Aglow, an international Christian organization. Even after she was no longer in an official leadership role, she always made herself available to intercede in prayer for anyone who needed it.

Family and community were also very important to Monica. After she had children, she pivoted from bedside nursing to a career in home health care to be more available for them. When Monica returned to Miami Gardens near her parents, sister, and nieces, she gladly took her turn to host elaborate weekly family dinners and participate in many Caribbean cultural and social events. She highly valued education and ensured that all her children finished college and graduate school. After retirement, Monica volunteered in her daughter's law practice and as a chaplain at the VA clinic in Orlando before her health no longer allowed it.

Monica generously supported numerous individuals and charitable organizations with finances, wisdom, and encouragement. She loved to cook, read, and watch British mysteries. Monica had a deep love for her homeland of Barbados and the United States, never shying away from an intelligent discussion of current events or politics. She happily spoiled her cat, Hunter and grandcat, Busy, including making sure they had a variety of videos to watch. When Monica was able, she traveled to places such as Israel, France, and Mexico, plus many parts of the Caribbean, including return trips to her beloved Bimshire.

Monica entered into her rest after a long series of health challenges, having an unwavering faith in the goodness of God until the end. She was preceded in death by her parents, Evelyn and John Haynes, her cousins, Victor Roach, Adriana Durant, and Ormand Harewood, and her grand-nephew Daniel Pacheco. She leaves behind her sister, Carolyn James, of Miami Gardens, Florida, her children Gene Durnell (Lovisa) of New York, New York, Tracy Durnell (Sylvia) of Jacksonville, Florida, and Kathy Durnell of Orlando, Florida, nieces Maria Miriti (Pete) of Columbus, Ohio and Laila McCray of Lake Stevens, Washington, and grand-nephew Tomás Pacheco of Columbus, Ohio, as well as a host of relatives and friends, including dear friends Patsy Campbell and Maureen Potiah and her goddaughter, Eboni Russell.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 11:00am. Location: Orlando World Outreach Church, 4365 Kennedy Ave., Orlando, FL 32812. Streaming information will be provided later.