Nancy Joan Curcio

Nancy J. Curcio passed away unexpectedly on February 23, 2016. She is survived by her sister, Marie DeFrancesco (Sister Mary Gratia, Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet), sisters-in-law, Angie Price and Barbara Gallagher and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother and husband, Ben who passed away in 1999. She was born to Joseph DeFrancesco and Gertrude (lveney) DeFrancesco in Johnson City, New York on February 7, 1932. In 1943 she moved with her family to Long Beach, California and later attended Dominican College in San Rafael, California where she earned a B.A. in education. In 1960 Nancy moved to Portland and began teaching the 4th grade at Cathedral School. During that time she met Ben Curcio and they married in 1964. Later that year she began teaching the 3rd grade at Clinton Kelly Elementary School in Portland and would continue to do so for the next 26 years, retiring in 1990. Nancy was very well liked and highly regarded by students, parents and fellow teachers alike. She was well known for maintaining high standards and was consistently rated as “highly professional” and “outstanding in all respects”. She would often receive cards and notes from current and past students, thanking her for being a part of their lives. Nancy was always meticulous about her appearance. She enjoyed shopping and was always well dressed and made up. She was known for her many hats and was also a capable seamstress, making many of her own clothes in years past. She had a good sense of humor and had a twinkle in her eye when she smiled and laughed. She was soft spoken and gracious but could be a formidable force if challenged. Her nieces and nephews have fond memories of Nancy and the “friendly” family discussions amongst the adults that invariably followed the annual Thanksgiving dinners at their grandparents house. She would often find herself at odds with one or two of her brothers-in-law, usually regarding politics. She always held her own and never backed down. They were fun to watch. There are many happy memories as well, of the Christmas Eve parties hosted by Nancy and Ben over the years. She enjoyed baking and entertaining. Their house was always full of people with plenty of good food and good cheer. As the years went by and families grew, extended families were always included. They were very special times. Nancy was a devout Catholic. She leaves behind many, many friends at St. Agatha’s and elsewhere in the Catholic community. She was very generous with her time, money and her spirit. She prayed for countless people and helped many with special needs. She was a special lady who will be missed by many. Suggested donations in her name may be made to St. Agatha’s Catholic School or St Vincent De Paul Society of St. Agatha’s Catholic Church of Portland, OR. Service Information