Alice Ruth CURTIS

CURTIS, Alice Ruth (Turner) Alice Ruth (Turner) Curtis passed away on Saturday (January 9, 2010). Alice was born at home on December 15, 1911 in New Haven to Carl R. and Nellie E. (DeMond) Turner. She was one of 6 children, predeceased by Russell A., John R., and Theodore S. Turner. She leaves behind her brother, Carl "Dick" R. Turner, Jr. of Lake City, FL; and sister, Marjorie Jane Brown of Cedarburg, WI. Alice, affectionately known as "Gandy" by her family, wished to be remembered as a teacher. She graduated from Southern CT University in 1931, serving as class president. She taught first grade in the Stratford public schools. She married the late H. Gould Curtis in 1933, and while raising their two children, began a nursery school in their home in the village of Berkshire, Sandy Hook. After Alice and Gould moved to Bethlehem in 1958, Alice developed the Reading Workshop, a reading readiness and enrichment program, for the Bethlehem public school system, benefiting kindergarteners through eight graders. Alice ran this first reading program for seven years until the school district became regionalized. She tutored students privately and worked in the Head Start program in Danbury. She was a vibrant participant in numerous town events during her 30 years in Bethlehem. She was active in Christ Church and in the Bethlehem - Morris Garden club. She also volunteered at Glebe House in Woodbury. Alice was much loved by everyone. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, great aunt, and devoted friend to many. Her talents were numerous: gardening, flower arranging, bonsai, needlework, basketry, pottery, creating and maintaining a charming home and grounds, and being a gracious hostess. She had a kind and generous spirit and was always ready to assist a friend. The family extends our heartfelt gratitude to Gandy's caregivers, Paula Levy and Barbara Gioia, who traveled with us, especially through the last few months of her life, supporting her with care and love. We also express deep appreciation for the entire staff of Duncaster's assisted living department and medical staff for their care and support. Alice was predeceased by her son, whom she adored, Sam Curtis of Bozeman, MT. She leaves behind her daughter, Bernelle "Bunny"Curtis Millan and husband Raymond "Tito" Millan of Simsbury. She also leaves behind her daughter-in law, Linda Curtis of Bozeman, MT. Gandy was adored by her six grandchildren, Patrick, Molly, and Will Curtis, all of Bozeman, MT, Melissa Millan and spouse Bill Hodkin of Simsbury, Mark and spouse Karen Millan of Cheyenne, WY, and Matthew Millan and spouse Elizabeth Oettinger of Philadelphia, PA. Her five great grandchildren were blessed to get to know their Gandy, Tyler Millan of Port Lucie, FL, Victoria "Tori"and Zachary "Zeke"Hodkin of Simsbury, Isabelle and Caleb Millan of Philadelphia, PA. She was also loved by numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. A memorial celebration of Alice's life will be held on Saturday, January 30, 11 a.m., at Christ Church, The Green, Bethlehem, CT. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Christ Church, PO Box 520, Bethlehem, CT 06751, or McLean Hospice, 75 Great Pond Rd, Simsbury, CT 06070. Hayes-Huling & Carmon Funeral Home, Granby, has care of the arrangements. For on-line condolences, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.