Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Helen Curnan Obituary
Sister Helen Francis Curnan, OP, of the Dominican Sisters, Sparkill, New York, died on March 27, 2017 in Siena Hall, Sparkill, NY.
Born in New York City, NY on October 9, 1927, Helen was the daughter of Francis and Helen Connolly Curnan. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on September 8, 1946 and received the name Sister Helen Francis. She professed her first vows in in 1948 and her final vows in 1953.
Sister Helen Francis received a BA in English, Manhattan College, New York in 1953 and her MA in English from St. John's University, New York in 1956.
Sister Helen Francis served in the Archdiocese of New York and Brooklyn as a teacher in St. Helena School, Bronx, NY (1948-1953), Mary Queen of Heaven (1953-1955), St. Helena High School (1955-1956), Aquinas High School, Bronx, NY (1956-1961). Sr. Helen Francis was principal of St. Augustine School, New City, NY (1961-1966). From 1966-1968 Sister Helen served in Formation for our Junior Professed Sisters in Sparkill. Sister Helen returned to teaching and from 1968-1975 was at Albertus Magnus High School, Bardonia, NY; St. Helena Commercial High School (1975-1989). Sister Helen served as Librarian at St. John Chrysostom School (1989-1998) then assisted in the Development Office of Msgr. Scanlan High School (1998-2000) and Dominican Convent (2000-2006) before retiring to Siena Hall.
Sister Helen Francis is predeceased by her parents Francis and Helen Curnan and two siblings, Catherine and Francis Patrick. She is survived by three nephews and a niece.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel, Sparkill, NY on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. Visitation is on Monday, April 3, 2017 from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Dominican Convent, 175 Rte. 340, Sparkill, NY.
Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery. Arrangements are by Higgins Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers please send donations to: Dominican Sisters, at the above address, attention- Sister Mary Murray, President.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Helen Curnan
Sponsored by Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service, Inc. - New City.
6 Entries
Padmini Curnan
October 9, 2017
I think of you often, Helen, especially today.
Padmini Curnan
April 11, 2017
Helen was a wealth of knowledge about cooking, sewing, and frugal living. I will always remember the many hours in the kitchen we spent exchanging ideas and all the things she taught me. Most of all, I will remember her passion for books, which she so generously shared and passed on to my daughter, Casey. I will miss her always.
fjohn reinke (mc1968)
March 31, 2017
The Manhattan College alumni community shares the grief, and is now praying for our fellow alumni and the family at this time. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself ... any mans death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.
Kathleen O'sullivan KEANE
March 31, 2017
She was my first teacher at St. Helena's kindergarten - a wonderful woman- I will always remember her.
March 31, 2017
An amazing woman, educator and instrument of God. She has touched many students with her leadership, love of literature and the spoken word. Sister is loved and missed but never forgotten in our hearts and in our minds, forever. Thank you Sister for that you've given all of us through the years. Love you always Luciana DiPilato-Nelson
March 31, 2017
May God's loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very sad time Psalms 29:11
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in Helen Curnan's name
Memorial Events
for Helen Curnan
Funeral services provided by:
Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service, Inc. - New City321 South Main Street, New City, NY 10956
How to support Helen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Helen Curnan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
