It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Mary Reid Durbin, who left this world unexpectedly on July 14, 2026, at the age of 68. Born on July 9, 1958, Mary was a life-long resident of Virginia Beach, Virginia. She spent her formative years in the embrace of a loving family.
Mary was a true “Jane of all trades,” a visionary entrepreneur and a compassionate soul whose impact touched everyone she encountered. As the founder of Puter Tutor, she not only championed her own business but also empowered countless other blind people to embrace assistive technology with confidence and enthusiasm. Her professional journey was marked by an unwavering dedication to helping others succeed.
At the core of Mary’s existence was her boundless love and devotion to family and community. A devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, “Grandma/Mema”, and great grandmother, she cherished her role in nurturing those around her. Her heart was as expansive as her spirit, always putting others before herself. This selflessness extended beyond her family to her passions, which included a remarkable collection of angels and cherubs reflecting her admiration for these celestial symbols of protection and guidance.
Mary was deeply embedded in her community, contributing her time and energy as a servant-leader in the Towncenter Blind Lions Club and the National Federation of the Blind of Virginia (NFBV). In particular, Mary devoted herself to the NFBV’s Silver Bells program which empowers older blind people to learn independent living skills. Her commitment to these organizations exemplified her dedication to service and advocacy, inspiring those within and beyond these communities.
Mary’s legacy is carried forward by her beloved husband of 24 years, Scott Durbin; her cherished dog Snickers “Puppy”; her children, Theresa (Chris) Willis, Mike McCann, Timothy McCann, Brian (Danielle) McCann, and Ashley Durbin; her grandchildren, Felicia (Andrew) Willis, Leo Willis, and Kylee McCann; and her great-grandson, Aiden Willis. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Matt Slater; her niece, Samantha “Sam” Slater; and her lifelong friends, Cindy Elswick and Barbara (Charles) Spicer, in addition to a multitude of friends who were touched by her kindness and generosity.
Preceded in death by her parents, Russell “Duck” and Barbara Reid; her great aunt, Alice E. Moore; her brother, Kelly Reid; her sister, Becky Reid Slater, and her nephew Zachery Slater. Mary’s reunion with them is surely filled with joy and peace.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) and the National Federation of the Blind of Virginia’s Silver Bells program.
While we mourn the passing of such a remarkable woman, we also celebrate the indelible mark she left on our hearts and lives. Mary’s life was a testament to love, service, and inspiration. She will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
