Obituary: Curran, Joan O’Reilly “Joanie”
Age 86
She was one of nine children born to William and Betty O’Reilly.
Joanie grew up in Butte, Montana and graduated from Girls Central High School there in 1946.
She married Tony Curran in 1952 and raised their six children in Spokane and Seattle.
The marriage ended in divorce after thirty nine years.
In 1994, Joanie retired from the Spokane School District after serving as a teachers’ aide at Franklin, Hamblen and Ridgeview Elementary schools for nearly two decades.
Her interests included, talking politics, reading, cultivating relationships with family and friends, storytelling, singing, and, yes, talking.
She relished time at Priest Lake, enjoyed her travels to Ireland, New York, California and elsewhere.
She also loved the American musical and took great pleasure in singing the standards with her usual flair.
Joanie was an active parishioner at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and possessed a strong faith in God.
Until recently she lived at Rockwood Lane Retirement Community among many new and old friends.
Her four plus years at Rockwood Lane were among the happiest days of her life.
She took great pride in her children and delighted in her grand and great-grandchildren.
She had many long and loving friendships.
Survivors include her six beloved children; Kevin Curran of New York City, Dan Curran (Mary Pat) of Auburn, Mollie Curran (Ernie) of Seattle, Sean Curran (Lori) of Seattle, Eileen Christenson (Jeff) of Spokane, and Chris Curran (Laurie) of Spokane, a sister Betty Lowney of Tennessee, two brothers, Jack O’Reilly of Spokane and Bill O’Reilly of Seattle, as well as 16 grandchildren, two great-granddaughters and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of her life will be held at Sacred Heart Church beginning 11:00 AM on Friday, September 19, 2014.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the JDRF and Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
To view Joan’s online memorial, please visit www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com