Rita Cecilia Curtin

• 

Curtin, Rita Cecilia Passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, March 23 at age 91. Rita was born in Arlington, Minnesota, the third of five children to Kathryn (Myers) and Dr. James Curtin on April 18th, 1919. She is preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Mary Curtin, and Catherine (Howard) Dunholter; brother, Dr. John (Phyllis); and nephew, James Curtin. She is survived by sister, Vivian (John) Vaudreuil of Eau Claire, WI and her 17 nieces and nephews. Her family and her many, many friends will miss her generous and giving spirit. She graduated from the University of Minnesota and taught school in Buffalo, MN until the beginning of WWII when, in 1944, she joined the Coast Guard (SPARS) where she was an ensign until 1947. Rita later received her master's degree in education from the University of Minnesota and taught business administration at Marshall High School and West High in Minneapolis. She retired from teaching in 1980 and continued to use her many talents helping others as a dedicated volunteer in the community and her church. She was always there when her friends and family needed her support or advice. She caught the 'travel bug' early and spent her vacations traveling the world and was the quintessential tourist. She was committed to her church, her family and her friends. She excelled at bridge and cards and was hard to beat, teaching generations of children her favorite games. Rita was a strong mentor to many over her years teaching and continued to influence others in her final years. She was blessed to have the care and support of the Fairview Hospice Care, spending her last days in the home she loved surrounded by her friends, family and care givers, keeping everyone on their toes with her astute sense of humor. She truly loved life to the fullest. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Catholic Charities. A celebration of Rita's beautiful life will be held on Saturday, April 2 at The Church of the Most Holy Trinity, 3946 Wooddale Avenue South, St. Louis Park. The memorial Mass will be held at 12:00 pm with visitation beginning at 11:00 am. All are invited to lunch following the mass. Gearty-Delmore 952-926-1615

Published on March 27, 2011