Tricia Duryee, a respected technology journalist from Seattle, passed away at the age of 46 after battling breast cancer. She was known for her coverage of the rise of wireless technologies, smartphones, and e-commerce through various publications such as The Seattle Times, AllThingsD, MocoNews.net, and GeekWire. Duryee was admired for her enthusiastic and curious approach to storytelling in the tech industry and was remembered for being a sunny and bright personality in the journalism community by many of her peers.
During her time at The Seattle Times, Duryee played a key role in the fast-paced online business and tech reporting as she managed the Tech Tracks blog. Colleagues recalled her deep passion for reporting on technology during a time when the field was rapidly evolving. Her commitment to developing strong relationships with sources and honing her reporting skills set her apart in the industry. After transitioning to GeekWire in 2014, Duryee continued to bring her expertise in mobile technologies and e-commerce to her reporting, engaging with business and technology leaders in interviews and moderating at the GeekWire Summit.
Despite her battle with cancer, Duryee adopted a determined approach to her treatment by researching drugs, clinical trials, and advocating for herself with doctors. She also prioritized her role as a mother to her two young boys, Dylan and Colin, and became actively involved in their school and community activities. Her strength, determination, and resilience were evident throughout her life, from overcoming challenges in school to pursuing her passion for journalism against her family’s expectations.
Duryee’s journalism career began at a young age through writing for her high school paper, The Messenger, at Garfield High School in Seattle. Her love for journalism continued to grow during her time at the University of Oregon, where she interned for various newspapers and covered impactful stories such as a school shooting. Her work at The Seattle Times, including a trip to Finland to cover Nokia, further solidified her reputation as a smart, hard-working, and fearless reporter with a knack for storytelling and uncovering the next big story.
The journalism community mourned the loss of Duryee, recognizing her significant contributions to the field and her unique ability to connect with sources and readers alike. Her family and loved ones remembered her as a devoted wife, mother, daughter, and sister who prioritized her family despite her health struggles. A service and celebration of life were held to honor Duryee’s memory, with donations suggested to organizations supporting cancer patients and their families. Tricia Duryee’s legacy lives on through her impactful journalism, her dedication to family, and her enduring spirit that inspired all who knew her.
