Lisa Ann Durham
Lisa Ann Durham, 58, of LaGrange passed away on Sunday June 6th with her husband, Bruce, and daughter, Kristen, at her side.
Lisa was born in Davenport, Iowa on July 1, 1962 to her cherished dad, the late Ernie Durham, and her mother, Judy McFadden. She graduated as Miss Most Likely to Succeed from Model Laboratory High School in Richmond, Kentucky. Lisa attended Texas A&M University, majoring in Geology and went on to do her graduate work in Hydrology at Purdue University. While a graduate student, she began working at Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, Illinois – where she would work for the next 33 years. As a Hydrogeological Engineer, Lisa provided technical and managerial leadership for environmental restoration programs at the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. On the global front, Lisa supported the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and its member nations. Her contributions to the IAEA included addressing cleanup associated with the 2011 accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.
Truly, Lisa’s passion was in leadership and mentorship to increase diversity in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Her advocacy and encouragement of young women interested in STEM careers earned her Argonne’s Women in Science and Technology (WIST) Diversity Award in 2012, and she went on to lead the WIST program from 2013 to 2015. Lisa was named Scientist of the Month in April 2015 by the Association for Women in Science in recognition of her encouragement of young women scientists and early career researchers. Through her success in mentoring, Lisa developed the Argonne Leadership Institute (ALI) where she was the director from 2015 to 2018. Through her work at the ALI, Lisa received the Women in Engineering ProActive Network Industry Trailblazer Award recognizing and honoring her for enhancing and inspiring the success of women in STEM careers. In 2019, she was presented the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award from The University of Chicago Argonne Board of Governors. Lisa’s success at the ALI led her to accept an appointment in Washington, DC at the U.S. Department of Energy where she was part of a team that worked with future scientific leaders to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion at the National Laboratories. Lisa returned to Argonne as the Chief Operating Officer for the Physical Sciences and Engineering Division where she worked until April 2021.
Despite her busy work life, Lisa believed in balance and always made time for tennis, reading by the beach, and spending time with her family. Her skills on the tennis court were unmatched; she played the game as an intellect, always outsmarting her opponent and never over hitting a ball. Lisa was the life of the party, especially during summer Monday Night Tennis where champagne replaced Gatorade. Ever the style icon, she was always sporting the hippest tennis outfits – courtesy of her Nike employed cousin, MaryJo. No one had a greater love for the beach, where Lisa would spend all day reading in the sand and watching the big splash with Bruce as the sun set over the water. The six weeks that Lisa and Bruce spent in Miami this past February will forever be treasured. Lisa’s Catholic faith was central to her life as an active member of Saint Francis Xavier Parish in LaGrange where she served as a Eucharistic minister, lector, and was on the liturgy planning team. Her love of the rosary inspired others who supported her to the end of her life. Lisa’s easy smile, slight southern accent, and appreciation and value of others will always be remembered. Above all else was Lisa’s love for her family. She cherished family vacations, the annual New York City trip for the US Open Tennis Tournament, and watching her daughter swim throughout high school and college. Lisa raised Kristen in her own image, ensuring that she too pursued a career in engineering.
The Visitation will be held from 4 to 8pm Thursday, June 24th at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St. Countryside, IL. The Celebration of Life mass will be on Friday June 25th at 10am at Saint Francis Xavier Parish, 124 North Spring, LaGrange, IL, masks are required. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to The Lisa Durham Memorial Scholarship Fund are appreciated. The Foundation will collect donations to be presented to The Society of Women Engineers creating the Lisa Durham Memorial Scholarship, an endowed annual scholarship for undergraduate women pursuing a career in science and engineering. Donations can be given online at https://cct.secure.force.com/pmtx/dn8n__SiteDonation?id=a3E0h000002OHXj or checks should be made payable to “The Chicago Community Foundation” with “The Lisa Durham Memorial Scholarship Fund” on the memo line. Memorial donations are to be sent to The Chicago Community Trust, c/o Tim Bresnahan, 225 North Michigan Avenue Suite 2200, Chicago, IL 60601.
Please sign up for Lisa’s Memorial Service at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044DAAA72EA2F94-lisa
If you are unable to attend, it will be live streamed at: https://www.facebook.com/SFXParish.LG at 10am CST.
I did not know Lisa very well or for a long time, but her spirit touched my heart. She modeled behavior that I am trying to model myself, but I am not nearly as good at it as she. I never had an encounter with Lisa when she was not smiling and cheerful, even though I am sure she may not have always been having the greatest day. Thank you Lisa for the gift you gave me. May you rest in peace. Until we meet again!! I believe that she still IS, not was.
Jim Young
Argonne National Laboratory
Bruce, I was deeply saddened to hear the news about your beloved Lisa. With a heavy heart we offer our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences. We pray the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ comfort you and Kristen now and forever.
Bruce and family- I was so sorry to hear the news about Lisa. I didn’t really know her, but I did know about her through various tennis players in Chicago. I too used to play tennis in Chicago. I would hear stories about her and admired her intellect from a distance. Again, I am so sorry for your loss.
Bruce,
So sorry to hear about your loss of Lisa. She was a true spirit of encouragement, role model, and loving person. The world will miss her courageous spirit. She has touched so many of our lives and leaves us with wonderful memories.
Lisa has left a huge impact at Argonne and in the DOE through her innovations supporting diversity in STEM, with a template in the Argonne Leadership Institute which she created. I remember her as a supportive ally with a steely resolve tempered by personal warmth and of course her glorious smile. I learned a great deal from her.
Dear Bruce,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and friends. I am so saddened by Lisa’s passing. Her energy, intellect, care for all, and always-present smile will always be remembered and live on in all of the amazing things she did. Lisa’s impact in STEM, inclusion and diversity, and the mission of the national laboratories is immeasurable. I so benefited from all she taught me through our many discussions and collaborations. I and many have lost a dear friend and colleague.
Kind regards,
Mark
I don’t have words to express my sadness for your loss. I think W. H. Auden’s Funeral Blues comes close.
Sincere condolences Bruce, Kristen, and family. I’ve known Bruce for what seems like forever and Lisa for years.
Thanks, Lisa for the advice you gave me 24 years ago. Without it I wouldn’t be the person I am today.
Lisa has always been someone I admired and looked up to growing up. She was a true leader and light and a beautiful woman inside and out A life fully lived and taken way to soon. My deepest sympathy and Love to you all.
Lisa was the precious daughter of one of my best friends, Judy. I pray for the family to somehow get through this difficult time.
Lisa,
You will truly be missed in the world. We became friends very quickly during your detail at DOE HQ. We laughed, joked and work very hard. And when I crocheted your hat to go out jogging in, you were thrilled and even wore it when you were not jogging. It was a great pleasure to know you and have you as a special friend. You will forever be in my heart.
May God comfort and bless your family with the loss of you.
Bruce please accept my deepest condolences. Just know that you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. May your faith and memories comfort and keep you. Sincerely, Gwendolyn Thomas
Bruce, I am so saddened to hear of Lisa’s passing. My most sincere condolences go to you and your family. God’s peace be with you sir.
I was so saddened to hear of Lisa’s illness and quick demise. When I moved to the USA from Australia and joined Argonne Lisa was always so kind. As I moved through my career and hers skyrocketed I looked to her as a role model for making an impact. I remember when she returned to Argonne from her detail to DOE she was so generous with her time in answering my questions. A truly impactful life cut short
I have had the pleasure of Lisa’s friendship for many years. Her non stop smile and joyful face light up any room and makes everyone around her happier. My heart aches for Lisa, Bruce and Kristen. Lisa left a big void in us , but the impact she had on so many will be forever felt in us all.
I am deeply saddened. I send my heartfelt condolences to Lisa’s family.
Lisa was a bright shining star always lighting up the room with her infectious smile, energy and her compassionate approach.
I had the pleasure of working with Lisa and considered her a mentor. She spent her valuable time with me listening, advising and encouraging me. I benefited so much from all she taught me in our discussions.
My heart is heavy at such a loss of a beautiful and special woman.
My thoughts and prayers are with Lisa and the family.
Sincerely, Gayle Maloney
What a horrible shock, for family, friends & colleagues. I’m so very sorry to hear of this great loss. From our family to yours ~ our deepest sympathy ~ Our hearts go out to you.
I am saddened to hear this. I met Lisa as a part of the Strategic Lab Leadership Program where we would meet during weekends to work on projects that were assigned to us as part of the curriculum. I will miss her smile and affection greatly. I will miss running into her in the building 240 parking lot and riding the elevator together.
Lisa was such a wonderful person. I’ll especially remember her smile and good-natured personality, usually with a laugh that brightened my day. To her family and all who loved her, you have my deepest condolences. I’ll be thinking and praying for you with hope that the support of her many friends will help you through these difficult days.
Bruce and Kristen, please accept my sympathy and prayers. No one knows more than you how much Lisa’s physical presence will be missed, but she will continue to be with you both…now continuously. She was always so proud of all your accomplishments.
I am a member of her St Francis Liturgy Team where she always came up with just the right wording to get our intensions across. We are counting on her to continue.
Keep smiling,
Maureen Lang
While I never knew Lisa, I know her daughter Kristen. She is one of the most kind-hearted, critical thinking, determined, and intelligent people I know (and a total beast at tennis). After reading the obituary, I know where she learned these traits. I love you guys and will be praying for you always.
Deb King
Lisa will forever be remembered by her smile and her “over the top” personality. Our condolence to Bruce, Kristen, Judy, Kevin and family in this horrible loss of wife, mother, daughter and sister. May God, who understands each need, who listens to every prayer, bless you and keep you in His tender loving care.
I am so saddened to hear that Lisa will no longer bless this earth. I became friends with Lisa and Bruce as parent volunteers for Kristen’s swim team. Lisa was a wonderful engaged mother and friend. Her smile and quick wit always made the hours on the pool deck seem to go faster. We started running together and even though she was the more accomplished runner, she never made me feel inadequate, but always encouraged me and made me feel included. Lisa was a blessing to everyone she touched on this earth.
Lisa was a model of elegance, thoughtful action, and kindness toward all. I’ve always looked up to her, and I will miss her very much.
Hi Bruce, I’m so sad to hear of Lisa’s passing. You and Lisa were such a fun team to hang with those rich Chicago years. My thoughts are with you. I will make it out to Chicago this some and hope you me and Mike can share some time and music together. Big hugs my friend.
Really sad. Had the pleasure of working with Lisa in one of the Fukushima missions organized by the IAEA and other activities of the Agency. Lisa was always vibrant and inspiring. Above all I will always be grateful to her to have thought the importance of diversity in science. Will alway have her in my thoughts. Wish the family strength.
My heart is broken for Bruce, Kristin and all of Lisa’s friends and family. I met Lisa in 2015 when my colleague Jan and I began working with Argonne National Lab and she was a wonderful colleague and friend over the years we worked together. Lisa was a shining light who worked tirelessly and collaboratively to support inclusion for women within the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. On my birthday several years ago, Lisa gave me a bracelet, like the one she constantly wore, which has 4 pearls spaced evenly around it. She told me the bracelet was a daily reminder to be thankful for four people in your life each day. And now, each day I wear that bracelet, I am thankful for getting to know Lisa, all the wonderful folks at Argonne, and for having had Lisa in my life.
There was, and is, about her an aura of vibrance,
Forcing an awareness of her presence,
Assuring a preservation of a life of sustenance;
Motion to her direction.
She trod, others have naught but to follow,
Resonating still, a many-hued brilliance
Times cruel gait to her is released;
She overcomes and echoes,
Defeats its cruelty with memories and echoes.
Bruce, so sorry to hear of Lisa’s passing. She leaves a legacy of good works and positive influence. Our condolences to you and Kristen.
Dear Bruce and Kristin, I cannot find any words of condolences, such a tremendous loss… Lisa was a radiant energy, infectious positivity and determination. I am so thankful to have known Lisa, and will always cherish the memories of evenings around the fire with her in Door County.
What an incredible honor for me is to have known Lisa. Her smile, kindness, wisdom, empathy, leadership. I will always keep you in my heart and carry your legacy. That I promise, my dear friend.
Lisa and I were doubles partners in an inter club league one winter weekend. She was the steady patient one who would set me up. I would then smack the tennis ball as hard as I could to end the point. When we would win the point, she had this twinkly smile, encouraging us to repeat the process over again. Unfortunately that pre COVID weekend I had contracted the flu. Stuffy and runny nose, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat and cough. We were in a competitive position in the league, so I didn’t want to default. Lisa and I were fighting for every point. After losing the first set, worried, she said to me, “Lilly, you sound terrible. Let’s default. You really look sick.” I looked at her with my hand on my hip, blowing my nose, and said “I’m not giving up”! She said “alright partner I’ll set you up!” We went on to win the next set, and won the tiebreaker. She stepped up her game and carried us over the finish line. Concerned enough to acknowledge my acute Illness, yet tough enough to finish the job. She cried with joy when we won the match. Well done Lisa. Well done. Rest In Peace. You sure knew how to set me up.
Lisa was a phenomenal , principled woman and dear colleague that had a profound impact on my life for the all too brief time we worked together. We, as many others have indicated, had a relationship based in truth, trust and mutual respect. My prayer is for peace for Bruce and Kristen, who never failed to bring a smile to her face when discussing them. My sincere hope is that we honor Lisa by authentically living her values in every aspect of our lives.
Dear Kristen,and Bruce, May live ,family,memories and prayer bring you strength at this very difficult time.I enjoyed many dinners and swim meets with you and your family.sending you the biggest hugs I can,Love Linda Kronick
I only knew Lisa as a kind and generous neighbor when we lived in LaGrange. I am not surprised to find she led such an impactful life beyond Catherine Avenue. Such a loss. My heartfelt condolences to Bruce and Kristen, and to Lisa’s family and colleagues.
I met Lisa only one time. I was at Argonne for a one day Symposium. She gave me a short ride between buildings. I will always remember her warmth and her straightforward manner. It seemed as if we were long time friends. I send my sincere condolences to Lisa’s family.