Winifred E. "Wyn" Curtiss

Winifred Curtiss VIRGINIA BEACH - Winifred E. "Wyn" Curtiss, 84, passed away peacefully Sept. 3, 2009. She was born in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, in 1924 and served in the Australian Women's Air Force during World War II. Upon arriving in the United States she wed Warren R. Curtiss, a U.S. Marine, and became a U.S. citizen. She then worked for ALCOA Aluminum in Michigan and Charlotte, N.C., until retirement. She was the widow of Warren Curtiss and daughter of the late Miriam McCabe Smith and Robert William Smith of Sydney, Australia. She was also the sister of the late Alma Bradshaw of Virginia Beach and the late Eric Smith of Sydney, Australia. Surviving nieces are Maureen Ciula and Virginia Harrell of Virginia Beach and the late Robin Smith of Sydney, Australia. Brian Smith is her surviving nephew, also of Sydney, Australia. We must make mention of her adored dog, "Mario," and her dear and best friend of more than 70 years, Joyce Quinn of Australia. They wrote cards and letters and phoned each other for the entire length of their friendship. Wyn's two favorite quotes were, "This too shall pass" and "Let go and let God." Memorial donations may be made to the Virginia Beach SPCA, 3040 Holland Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23453. Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Kempsville Chapel, is handling the arrangements.