Kimie Durga, 95, of Pulaski, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 6, 2026, at St. Vincent Hospital after a brief illness.

Kimie was born on January 3, 1931, in Tokyo, Japan, to Yoichi and Toyo Shirai (Hanya). After attending high school, she worked as a nanny for U.S. soldiers in Okinawa, Japan. She later married Clifford Durga, and in 1952 traveled by ship and train to Fort Lee, Virginia. Together they welcomed a daughter, June, and later made their home in Traverse City, Michigan.

Over the years, Kimie worked at Cherry Growers and later at Burwood Products. Following her retirement, she returned to caring for children, providing in-home childcare. In 2012, she moved to Pulaski to be closer to her family.

Kimie found great joy in knitting, cooking and baking, sewing, gardening, canning, playing cards, and Bingo. She was an avid and talented knitter, creating countless sweaters, hats, socks, and blankets for both children and adults. She worked with remarkable efficiency, often memorizing patterns and making her craft look effortless. A close second to her love of knitting was her passion for cooking and baking for family and friends. She was especially known for her strawberry and lemon meringue pies, as well as her pecan tarts.

Kimie also enjoyed tending her vegetable garden and preserving its bounty by canning vegetables, meats, and soups. She lived an active lifestyle, taking half-hour walks daily, and had a genuine love of people, forming many friendships through card games and Bingo.

She is survived by her daughter, June (Jeff) Thompson; her grandsons, Alex (Michelle) Thompson and Scott (Jessie) Thompson; her great-grandchildren, Allyson, Natalie, Lane, Gabriel, Maxwell, Preston, Quincy, and Charlie (all Thompson).

She was preceded in death by two great-grandchildren, Dominic Patrick Thompson and Kellin Ambrose Thompson.

Per Kimie's wishes a private family celebration will be held.

Online condolences may be offered to Kimie's family at www.marnochafuneralhome.com or on the Marnocha Funeral Home Facebook page.