Susan Elaine Curry

Susan Elaine Curry passed away in Islesboro, Maine on December 6, 2025.

Born on April 1, 1953 to Thomas Earl Curry and Dorothy Gervais Curry, Susan was the middle of three girls, sister to Bonnie (Littlefield) and Vicky (Bell), and grew up on Heather Road in South Portland, Maine. From an early age, she treated everyone around her with kindness and generosity–something for which she became known and well-loved over the course of her life.

Susan graduated from South Portland High School in 1971, earned her B.A. from Wheelock College in 1975, and later received a master's degree in education from Lesley University. She touched the lives of hundreds of students over the years. Her open-minded approach to life was shaped by Susan's close relationship with her father, a sea captain who spent his career traveling the globe and bringing home a treasure trove of stories to share. Over many years as an elementary school teacher, Susan brought this sense of wonder to her classroom, instilling it in students of every ability.

Susan married Peter Michaud in 1986 and gave birth to two children - Elisabeth in 1987 and Thomas, named for his grandfather, in 1990. She and Peter raised their children in Cape Elizabeth, where they lived for 24 years, frequently walking the half mile to Portland Head Light, one of her favorite places. Susan loved spending time with her children and showing them the wonders of the world. Whether it was beach days, trips to the lighthouse, or a stop at the Artist & Craftsman, nothing made her happier than to share her joy for life with her kids.

Susan's journey took her from Maine and Massachusetts to Washington, DC and back to Maine again, and along the way she built meaningful friendships with people from all walks of life: US Senators, former NBA stars, parents of the students she taught, work colleagues, the staff at her favorite coffee shop in South Portland, neighbors old and young. Everyone who crossed paths with her fell in love with her generous spirit. She had a varied career, working as Executive Assistant to the CEO of Canal Bank, as a lobbyist in Washington, and as a teacher–most notably at Westbrook College Children's Center and at Pond Cove Elementary School in Cape Elizabeth-before retiring in 2013.

She had a powerful ability to find and appreciate the small joys in life–the opening trill of her favorite song, Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue", reading and writing poetry, visiting local libraries, small, striped gray rocks she collected from beaches across the globe, and the humorous, printed knee socks she wore. She built celebratory traditions with friends and family, including ice cream for breakfast on the first day of summer vacation and Beaujolais Nouveau Day each November.

Susan is survived by her daughter, Elisabeth Michaud and son-in-law Dave Benvenuti of Seattle, Washington; her son Thomas Michaud, daughter-in-law Allana, and grandson Harper Lewis of Islesboro, Maine; her sister Vicky Bell and brother-in-law Brad; and her former husband Peter Michaud of Brunswick. Additionally, she is survived by many nieces, nephews, grand-nephews, and beloved friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Dorothy Curry, and her sister, Bonnie Littlefield.

Our family would like to thank the staff and volunteers of the Boardman Cottage in Islesboro, where Susan spent her last few years. Each of you filled her days with the same kindness and generosity she gave to others throughout her life.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Susan's memory to the Boardman Cottage, 131 Main Road, Islesboro ME 04848.

We'll remember Susan by continuing to celebrate the small joys in life, and think of her every time we see a small, striped rock at the beach.