Mary Ann Curby, 84, beloved aunt, loyal friend, and lifelong resident of Whitman died March 27, 2015 after a short illness. Mary Ann graduated from Sargent College, within the Boston University system, in 1952. She taught physical education in the elementary and middle schools of Framingham for forty years. She spent her summers in West Dennis.
Mary Ann is survived by her nieces and nephews - Catherine Curby and Raymond “Birch” Pavelsky of Fairbanks, Alaska; Judith Curby and Gayle Smalley of Newton; Mary Lou Stock of Pembroke; Michael and Valerie Curby of Las Vegas, Nevada; Mark Curby of Cambridge; Pamela and Michael Yonika of Bolton, Conn.; and Matthew Taylor-Curby of Boston. Also survived by seven grand nieces and nephews and one great grand niece; and her sisters-in-law Gloria Curby of Hanson, Ann Curby of Cambridge, and Laurie Taylor-Curby of Hingham. Mary Ann was predeceased by her parents, Lloyd J. and Frances H. Curby, and her brothers Lloyd F. “Duke” Curby, William A. Curby, and James A. Curby.
Mary Ann is warmly remembered by her nieces and nephews for her kind attention, firm guidance, and wonderful sense of humor. Week-long visits to West Dennis began with the welcome that “the first night you are guests, after that you’re responsible for doing the dinner dishes.” The first night’s dinner was always served on paper plates. West Dennis was also the location of the little-known but much enjoyed “Lumpy Links”, a variable hole mini-golf course constructed out of flower pots amongst the pine needles and small shrubs in the side yard of Mary Ann’s summer cottage. The winner was awarded the right to take the first shower of the evening.
In retirement, Mary Ann devoted her time to family and friends in Whitman and West Dennis. Attending church, followed by breakfast with friends, was a valued part of her weekly routine. She enjoyed art classes and other activities with the Whitman Senior Center and served on the Whitman Council on Aging. She looked forward to her visits with friends in Arizona, lighthouses excursions with the Friends of Flying Santa, and took much pleasure in painting local scenes, winning several awards.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her services on Tuesday March 31st at 8:15AM from the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street, (Rte 58 at the rotary circle) Whitman, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:00AM in the Holy Ghost Church, 518 Washington Street, Whitman. Interment will be at a later date in the Saint James Cemetery in Whitman. Visitation will be on Monday March 30th from 4:00-7:00PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary Ann’s name to The Catholic TV Network, PO Box 9196 Watertown MA 02471, or the Whitman Food Pantry, 518 Washington Street, Whitman MA 02382 would be welcomed.