Myra Curtis Wahlberg

WAHLBERG Myra Curtis Wahlberg, age 97, beloved wife of the late Daniel A. Wahlberg, passed away Sunday, June 12, 2011 in Wareham, MA. Born in St. Joseph's Newfoundland, she came to the United States in 1918 to live with her aunt, who would later adopt her, Nora O'Rourke Dutilly. Mrs. Wahlberg attended St. Charles parochial school and graduated from Warren Harding High School. She received her RN degree from Holy Name Nursing School and later received her Masters degree in Psychology from the University of Bridgeport. She and Daniel married in 1939 first residing in Trumbull then later at 544 Oenoke Ridge in New Canaan. They also had homes in Sarasota, FL and Onset, MA. Wherever she lived, Mrs. Wahlberg gave generously of her time and talents. She was true advocate for the education of women and for the value of reading for children and adults alike. She was very active and a benefactor of the Asolo Repertory Theatre in Sarasota, a member of the AAUW Club, The Republican Club of New Canaan, where she hosted President Ronald Reagan during his Presidential campaign, and a member of the Travel Club of Greenwich. She authored a book, Hurrah for the Homemaker where she delves into the past and her personal experiences, demonstrating her philosophy that "the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world". Mrs. Wahlberg was a devout Roman Catholic who displayed a true love for God. She will be fondly remembered for her philanthropic contributions to her communities and as a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Survivors include her 8 beloved children, Daniel H. Wahlberg of Bridgeport, Curtis A. Wahlberg and his wife Angela of Brookfield, Jay E. Wahlberg and his wife Marlene of Easton, Lyle R. Wahlberg and his wife Peggy of Bethel, Kent C. Wahlberg of Stratford, Rene S. Grever and her husband Roy of Cincinnati, OH, William M. Wahlberg of Onset, MA and Maura Lee Wahlberg-Burke and her husband Kevin of Fairfield; four grandchildren, Jay M. Wahlberg, Brendan T. Wahlberg, Joshua D. Wahlberg and Nicolene Santiago; three great-grandchildren, Ethan, Sophia and Jay, Jr.; nieces and nephew, Dudley Strum of Monson, MA, Elizabeth Lippe of Mt. Vernon, NH and Rocquie O'Rourke of San Ramon, CA. She was predeceased by a son, Thomas George Wahlberg; a sister, Gertrude Strum; a brother, Gerritt Dutilly; a niece, Janet Wahlberg and a nephew, Drew Wahlberg. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, June 18, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Pius X Church 834 Brookside Drive, Fairfield. Interment will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Norma Pfriem Breast Care Center c/o Bridgeport Hospital, 267 Grant Street, Bridgeport, CT 06610. The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to Mrs. Wahlberg's companion and caregiver Jeannie Bowen of East Haven for the loving care, companionship and friendship she provided to Myra over the years. For information or to sign an online guest register please visit www.SpearMillerFuneralHome.com