Durham Mourns the Passing of Mary Duke Biddle Trent Semans

Mary Semans being honored by DCVB in 2006 for her
contributions to Durham's unique sense of place.  Pictured from
left to right: Wib Gulley, General Counsel at Triangle Transit and
Chair of the Durham Tourism Development Authority,
Mary Semans, and E'Vonne Coleman-Cook, COO of DCVB.

It is indeed a sad day for Durham.

Mary Duke Biddle Trent Semans, a direct descendant of the family that established Duke University, died this morning at Duke University Hospital.

Mary was a benevolent supporter of Duke, of Durham, and of so many places and organizations that gave Durham its unique sense of place, including the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, the Nasher Museum of Art, and dozens of others.  

Durham has lost one of its finest citizens, who will be remembered fondly.