BEVERLY: Marie Eleanor (O’Hearn) Curtis, formerly of Wheeler’s Point, Gloucester, departed this world peacefully on March 19, 2008. She was predeceased by her husband, Howard Curtis, a highly recognized Gloucester artist and teacher of art at Gloucester High School, and one brother, W. Elliot O’Hearn.
Born in Gloucester on July 9, 1910, she was the daughter of the late Martin and Eunice (Poland) O’Hearn. Eleanor loved Gloucester and very much enjoyed rides around Cape Ann and reminiscing of years past. She graduated from Gloucester High School in 1927 and the Salem Normal School (now Salem State College) in 1930. She had been a teacher for several years in the Gloucester Public Schools. Her first assignment was 6th grade at Eastern Avenue School and later the Collins School. She was an accomplished poet and was recognized by the National Poetry Society.
Eleanor was also a piano instructor, a founding member of the Folly Cove Designers, the North Shore Art Association, a member of the Gloucester Woman’s Club, the Annisquam Village Church and Village Sewing Bee. Eleanor studied drawing under the direction of George Demetrious and Virginia Lee Burton. Mr. & Mrs. Curtis were well known throughout the artist community.
A graveside service was held on Friday morning in the Wesleyan Cemetery. A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 4th at the Annisquam Village Church 840 Washington Street, Gloucester at 11 a.m. Friends and relatives are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Howard Curtis Scholarship Fund at Gloucester High School or to the charity of one’s choice.