Death Notices PAID PRINTED OBITUARY
Connie Jean Brooking Durkee
August 19, 1955 ~ September 8, 2016
Connie Jean Brooking Durkee died after falling from stairs on August 30th, in the home she shared with her husband, Steve, in Cabrera, Dominican Republic. Her father, Emil Brooking, MD, preceded Connie in death. She is survived by her husband, Steve, 8 dogs and 6 cats (all rescues), stepchildren, Sarah Haran and Jesse Durkee, mother, Dory Reed Brooking, siblings, Barbie, Lindy, Cathy, Andy, Peggy, John and Ann, many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends.
Connie was born in Portland, Oregon, and graduated from Camas High School in 1973. She married Robert Birt in 1978 and worked for a local vet. She and Bob parted as friends, and Connie moved to Steamboat Springs, Colorado, in 1984 where she worked as a vet technician. Always up for adventures, she skied, hiked and rafted.
Returning to Vancouver in 1993, she managed a vet clinic and went back to school, receiving her degree from Clark College as an information support specialist. In 1994, Connie married Steve Durkee and they made their home in Battle Ground. Connie worked for In Defense of Animals. She rescued animals after Hurricane Katrina and traveled to impoverished places like the Dominican Republic to assist in spay/neuter clinics. She and Steve retired to Cabrera, DR, in 2007 with their dog and 4 cats. She worked with the town’s veterinarian, promoting spaying/neutering, and became well-known, feeding strays on the beaches and streets. Connie loved Cabrera and Cabrera loved her. In 2010, Connie traveled to Haiti with a consortium of international animal welfare organizations to help the animals and people after the earthquake. Connie never waivered in her quest to find homes for and feed animals in need. It is difficult to comprehend the depth of her empathy.
Join us in remembering Connie on November 6th at 2:00pm at Camas Community Center, 1718 SE 7th Avenue. Also, post stories and pictures of Connie on her Facebook Timeline. If you have any trouble, email Ann at brookingannm@gmail.com.
It is our hope and prayer that Connie’s death will inspire us to relieve animals’ suffering and, in so doing, help her spirit sing. To honor Connie, please donate any amount to Proteccion Animal Norte at: https://www.gofundme.com/animalesdecabrera.
