Peggy Durkan: A Life of Community and Advocacy

Beloved Community Member Margaret Forde Remembered in Straide

Straide, Ireland – The community of Straide is mourning the loss of Margaret Forde, who passed away peacefully in the remarkable care of the Mayo Hospice in Castlebar.

Margaret, formerly of Gorthmellia, Barnatra, was a cherished figure whose presence will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and neighbors.

She was predeceased by her parents, Maggie and John, her sister Kathleen, and several brothers, including patrick, Michael, Thomas, and Seamus, and also infant siblings John, Joseph, Martin, and Bridget.

Margaret leaves behind her beloved husband, Michael, and their children: daughter Margaret and sons John, William, James, and Gerard. Her sisters, Mary, Ellen, and Nancy, also survive her.

She was a devoted grandmother to sonny, Frankie, Ellie, Maeve, Charlie, Conor, Fiadh, cillian, Oisín, Caelum, and Fionn. Margaret’s extended family includes her son-in-law J.P., daughters-in-law Eithne, Rachel, and Niamh, James’ partner Patrick, and numerous nephews, nieces, sisters-in-law, and a brother-in-law.

Margaret’s residence at F26 NP22 will be open for repose on Monday from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Please note that the house will be private at all other times.

Her funeral mass will take place on Tuesday morning at 11:30 a.m. at The Church of St. Peter and paul in Straide. The funeral procession will proceed to Straide New Cemetery following the Mass.

Those who wish to join remotely can view the Funeral Mass online at churchtv.ie/straide.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Mayo Roscommon Hospice through www.hospice.ie/donations/in-loving-memory.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Margaret Forde’s funeral mass?

Margaret Forde’s funeral mass will be held on Tuesday at 12 midday.

where will Margaret Forde be laid to rest?

Following the funeral mass, Margaret Forde will be interred in Straide New Cemetery.

Can I view the funeral mass online?

Yes,the funeral mass for Margaret Forde can be viewed online at churchtv.ie/straide.

Share your memories and condolences for Margaret forde in the comments below. Your words of comfort can mean a lot to her grieving family and friends.

How did Durkan’s early legal work with marginalized populations influence her later political career?

Early Life and Educational foundation

Peggy Durkan’s commitment to public service wasn’t born overnight. Her roots lie in a strong educational background and a deep connection to her community.Born and raised in Seattle,Washington,Durkan attended Roosevelt High School,graduating in 1974. She then pursued higher education at the University of Washington, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science in 1978 and later a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the same institution in 1982. This legal training would prove crucial in her future advocacy work and political career. Her early exposure to Seattle’s diverse neighborhoods shaped her understanding of the city’s needs and fueled her desire for positive change.

Early Career: From Legal Aid to Public Defender

Durkan’s professional journey began with a dedication to representing those often marginalized by the legal system. After graduating law school, she worked as a public defender, providing legal representation to individuals who couldn’t afford it. This experience provided invaluable insight into the challenges faced by vulnerable populations and solidified her commitment to social justice.

King County Department of Public defense: Durkan spent years advocating for her clients, navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system.

Focus on Equity: Her work consistently highlighted systemic inequities and the need for fair and just legal processes.

Community Legal Services: Prior to her role as a public defender, Durkan contributed to organizations providing direct legal assistance to low-income individuals and families.

This period laid the groundwork for her future roles, demonstrating a consistent pattern of championing the rights of others.

Transition to Politics: City Attorney and Beyond

Durkan’s dedication to Seattle led her to enter the political arena.In 2010, she was elected City Attorney, a position she held for eight years. As City Attorney, she focused on innovative approaches to public safety and community problem-solving.

key Initiatives as City Attorney

Community Court: Durkan spearheaded the creation of Seattle’s Community Court, a restorative justice program designed to address low-level offenses through community service and rehabilitation rather than traditional prosecution. This initiative aimed to reduce recidivism and address the root causes of crime.

Gun Violence Prevention: She actively pursued legal strategies to reduce gun violence,including challenging the legality of assault weapon sales and advocating for stricter gun control measures.

Civil Rights Enforcement: Durkan’s office prioritized enforcing civil rights laws, protecting residents from discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations.

Police Accountability: She worked to improve police accountability and transparency, advocating for policies that promote responsible policing practices.

Mayoral Tenure: Navigating Complex Challenges

In 2017, Durkan was elected mayor of Seattle, becoming the first woman elected to the office in nearly a century. Her mayoral tenure was marked by significant challenges, including addressing the city’s growing homelessness crisis, managing the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and responding to protests following the death of George Floyd.

Addressing Seattle’s Homelessness Crisis

Durkan implemented a variety of strategies to address homelessness, including:

1. Increased Funding for Shelter and Services: She advocated for increased funding for emergency shelters, transitional housing, and supportive services for individuals experiencing homelessness.
2. Rapid Rehousing Programs: Durkan prioritized rapid rehousing programs, which aim to quickly move individuals and families from homelessness into permanent housing.
3. Tiny House Villages: The city expanded the use of tiny house villages as a temporary housing option for people experiencing homelessness.
4. Partnerships with Non-Profit Organizations: Durkan fostered strong partnerships with non-profit organizations providing services to the homeless population.

COVID-19 Pandemic Response

Durkan’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic focused on protecting public health and mitigating the economic impacts of the crisis.

Early Implementation of Public Health Measures: She swiftly implemented public health measures, including mask mandates and social distancing guidelines, to slow the spread of the virus.

Support for Small Businesses: Durkan launched programs to provide financial assistance and support to small businesses struggling during the pandemic.

Rental Assistance Programs: The city implemented rental assistance programs to help residents avoid eviction.

Response to the 2020 Protests

The summer of 2020 saw widespread protests in Seattle following the death of George Floyd. Durkan faced criticism for her handling of the protests, especially regarding the city’s response to the “Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone” (CHAZ). Her administration sought to balance protecting free speech rights with maintaining public safety.

Advocacy and continued Community Involvement

Even after leaving office, Durkan remains actively involved in community affairs and continues to advocate for issues she believes in. She frequently speaks on topics related to urban policy, social justice, and the importance of civic engagement.

Current Focus Areas

Criminal Justice Reform: Durkan continues to advocate for reforms to the criminal justice system, focusing on reducing racial disparities and promoting rehabilitation.

Affordable Housing: She remains a strong advocate for increasing the availability of affordable housing in Seattle and throughout the region.

* Civic Engagement: Durkan encourages citizens to participate in the political process and to hold their elected officials accountable.

Legacy and Impact

Peggy Durkan’s career is a testament to the power of dedicated