Sister Mary Lou Durbala

Sister Mary Lou Durbala, CHM, (Sister Mary Philip), 82, died Saturday, February 18, 2012 at Mercy Medical Center, Des Moines, IA. Services at Bishop Drumm Our Lady of Peace Chapel, Johnston, IA are Friday, February 24: Rosary at 4 and Vigil at 7 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, February 25, 11 AM at Our Lady of Peace Chapel. Burial follows in Glendale Cemetery, Des Moines.
Mary Lou Durbala was born to Elmer and Alice (Martin) Durbala on March 10, 1929 in Lovilia, IA. She was fourth in a family of 12 children. She graduated from Albia High School in 1947. On September 8, 1947 she entered the Congregation of the Humility of Mary (CHM), professing vows on July 19, 1950. She received an AA degree from Ottumwa Heights College, Ottumwa and a BA degree from St. Ambrose-Marycrest College, Davenport.
Sister Mary Lou taught in elementary schools in Iowa and Montana, including at St. Anthony and St. Theresa, Des Moines, and Sacred Heart, West Des Moines. She also taught in secondary schools in Lake Mills, Algona and Burlington, IA.
In 1980 she retired, living in Des Moines until she moved to Bishop Drumm Retirement Center in 2010.
Sister was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Joseph, Philip, and William and sister, Mildred Bivens. She is survived by her sisters Lois Durbala, Jean (Karl) Northwall, and Jane (Jerry, Sr.) Schaefer, brothers James (Margaret), Raymond (Louise), George (Sarah) and John, sisters-in-law Irene and Dixie, many nieces and nephews, and CHM Sisters and Associates.
Memorials may be made to the Congregation of the Humility of Mary.