Ayten Durukan

Ayten Durukan, 87, of Champaign, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 16, at Country Health Care and Rehab in Gifford, Illinois.

She was born Nazife Ayten Tomruk on December 17, 1938, in Nevsehir, Turkey, to Mustafa and Muhube Aksoy Tomruk. She had a happy childhood growing up in this beautiful village amidst Cappadocia with her three brothers and all her grandparents. At age seven her family moved to Ankara where there was more opportunity but still family and close friends nearby. Ayten attended high school and then the Christian Dior Institute for six years, both in Ankara. It was here she learned her unmatched skills as a dressmaker, designer, and seamstress.

Ayten emigrated to the United States in 1962 after a visit to her uncle, Erol Aksoy, who was getting his master’s degree in engineering at the University of Illinois. She started work at Robeson’s Department Store in 1963 in the alterations department and dazzled everyone who saw the efforts of her deft hands and unwavering attention to detail. She established many lifelong friendships while she was at Robeson’s. She started a small alterations business at home in the early 1980’s and continued her work until medical issues necessitated turning away customers in her 80’s.

Ayten’s fiancé, Ahmet Durukan, emigrated to the US in 1968. They married on November 27 that same year. Early in their marriage, Ayten and Ahmet began assisting countless young Turkish students get their bearings upon arrival at the U of I. They helped people find housing and work and opened their home for get togethers and teas that connected people through good conversation, laughter, and, of course, good food! Many of these relationships survive today and are remembered with gratitude and fondness for the Durukan family.

Ayten is survived by her husband of 57 years, Ahmet, her son and daughter-in-law, Ata and Amy, of Champaign, and her cherished granddaughter, Erin Ann Durukan, of Dallas, TX. She is also survived by her brother Aydin Tomruk of Ankara, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Muammer and Huseyin.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the kind and compassionate caregivers at Carle Foundation Hospital, Carle Hospice, and Country Health Care and Rehab in Gifford.

Known for her kindness, talent, and unwavering determination, Ayten overcame many struggles throughout her life, inspiring all who knew her with her grit and resilience; she leaves behind a legacy of love and strength that will forever be cherished by her family and friends. 

The Durukan family will greet friends at Owens Funeral Home, 101 N. Elm Street in Champaign, on Wednesday, March 18 from 3-5pm.

Burial will be a private ceremony at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Champaign and according to Islamic tradition.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions in Ayten Durukan’s name to Developmental Services Center, 1304 W. Bradley Ave., Champaign, IL 61821 or Champaign County Humane Society, 4003 Kearns Drive, Champaign, IL 61822.

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