Estella “Stella” Bartlett (Crawford) Curtis died Thursday July 19, 2007 at The German Center for Extended Care in West Roxbury of complications from lung cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. She was 78 – years old, a non – smoker and she had been struggling to maintain her dignity for many years while Alzheimer’s took away her memories and abilities.
Through her final days, Mrs. Curtis continued to love her family and friends. She was happiest when she was surrounded by her loved ones, singing together the familiar songs that Alzheiemer’s was unable to steal from her. She died just eight months after she lost her touchstone – Harold W. “Hal” Curtis Sr., her devoted husband of over fifty years.
Born December 7, 1928 in South Weymouth, Mrs. Curtis was the beloved daughter of the late Lillian (Rose) Crawford and the late Stanley Crawford. One of eight children, she doted on her brothers and sisters. From oldest to youngest, they did everything together – a tradition Mrs. Curtis sought to continue when her own children were born. For a time, Mrs. Curtis lived with her grandparents in Stoughton, where she graduated from high school.
As a young woman, Mrs. Curtis was proud to be an employee of The Harvard Business School and she turned the head of many a Harvard man with her witty charm and exquisite fashion sense. But it was Hal, a Northeastern University graduate and decorated WWII United States Army soldier, that won her heart over. He was the son of Stoughton residents Harold Mugford and Sybil Irene (Benn) Curtis.
After Hal and Stella married, they stayed in Stoughton, renting a small apartment. But with the arrival of Harold Woodward Jr. in 1957, Carolyn Irene in 1958, and Jeanne Rose in 1961, it quickly became clear that the family needed a larger home. After careful research, Mr. Curtis recommended that they purchase the former First Congregational Church parsonage on Prospect Street in Stoughton. It proved to be a sound idea, because in 1967 a fourth child the family: Allen David.
The Curtis’s loved animals, so it was only natural that their home was always filled with pets – many of whom wandered onto the Prospect Street property as strays and were welcomed as family members. Among their many beloved pets were their dogs Tippy, Bandit and Laddie.
Each August, the family piled into the car and drove off for their much – anticipated vacation in the little cottage in Chatham. There, as at home, Mrs. Curtis was an active participant in her children’s squirt gun fights, monopoly and card games, baseball games and nature hikes. The family enjoyed their Cape Cod vacations so much, they eventually purchased a home in West Harwich.
It is an understatement to say that Mr. and Mrs. Curtis were devoted to their children. Whatever the event, they were there, proudly supporting their children’s efforts. Mrs. Curtis was honored with a Silver Beaver Award in recognition of her many years of service to Cub Scout and Boy Scout Troop # 57. she also volunteered with the Girl Scouts, most notably Cadette Troop # 57.
Mrs. Curtis was a tireless and valued member of The First Congregational Church in Stoughton. She served on many committees over the years and cheerfully grabbed a broom or stacked chairs following an event. She especially enjoyed her tenure as Choir Mother and as Church Secretary. The church was her second home and its members her second family.
Mrs. Curtis also worked at the Stoughton Public Library in a variety of positions, eventually serving as Secretary to the Director for many years. She made many wonderful friends there and enjoyed a generous party when it came time for her to leave.
Mrs. Curtis was always willing to share in an adventure, whether it was a quick trip to the Christmas Tree Shop or midnight kite - flying on the beach. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading, bird- watching, ceramics and collecting teddy bears. She loved music and had a beautiful voice. She was a loyal Red Sox fan. She was generous, and if someone came to her with a problem, she was always ready to help out.
Mrs. Curtis is survived by her cherished children : Harold W. Curtis Jr. and his wife Diane, Carolyn I. Curtis – Mahoney and her husband Allen Mahoney, Jeanne R. Curtis and Allen D. Curtis ( S. P. D. ) and his wife Christine, all of Stoughton. She delighted in her grandchildren : Christopher, Cheryl and her husband Tom, Melissa and her husband Ricky, Tammy, Michael, Matthew, Lucan, Mike, Geoff, Abby and Aidan. She loved her great – grandchildren, including Taylor and Jake. She also loved Lisa as a daughter.
Her brothers and sisters include Allen Crawford of Bellingham, Lawrence Crawford of Murfreesboro, TN, Lillian Wilkinson of Lyman, NH and Stanley Crawford of Sterling, NJ. She was preceded in death by siblings Nancy Longest, Beatrice Slocum and David Crawford. Other survivors include many beloved nephews, nieces, cousins, in – laws and friends.
Her funeral service will be held on Tuesday July 24, 2007 at 11:00 A.M. in The First Congregational Church of Stoughton, United Church of Christ, 76 Pierce Street, Stoughton. The Pastor Emeritus Rev. Ernest O. Geigis, officiating. Burial will follow in the family lot at Evergreen Cemetery, Stoughton. In lieu of flowers, donations to The First Congregational Church of Stoughton, United Church of Christ, 76 Pierce Street, Stoughton, MA or to the charity of one’s choice in Estella’s memory, would be greatly appreciated.
Visiting hours to which relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend will be held on Monday July 23, 2007 from 5 – 8 P.M. in The Sheehan Funeral Home, 115 Monk Street, Stoughton.