Maria and I met in 2005 when we both started at ICSW together. Over the years throughout our studies and professional affiliations we became friends, and as anyone who knew Maria can attest it was a pleasure to witness the joy, laughter and life that she brought to everything that she did. She was a beautiful soul and I am so happy to have had the chance to know her. My prayers and condolences go out to her beloved son, husband and all family members and friends.

I met Maria in the Fall of 2005.  We were members of a cohort group at ICSW, and throughout the course of our studies she and I became good friends.  I loved her sense of humor, her beautiful smile and her genuine compassion for all those who needed help.  My thoughts and prayers are with Maria's family and all those who love & miss her.

Our sympathy and thoughts are with your family.

We were so saddened to hear of Marias passing..We have very fond memories to carry with us forever..She was a beautiful Lady...She will always be in our hearts. Fiacre and Kevin you are in our thoughts and prayers and we are so sorry for your loss.
Deepest sympathy
From John, Dympna, Evan and Orla Heffernan
xxxxxxxxx

I miss Maria. I was so saddened and shocked when I heard the devastating news. Even today this all seems surreal to me. Maria was a blessing to our family & particularly my daughter. She was a lifesaver to my daughter. Maria walked with us on a very tough journey and was always so encouraging, supportive, loving and caring. She went above & beyond for us. She will be missed for a long time. I will pray for Maria's family. I'm so very sorry for your loss.

Maria was and always will be my first little sister, I will never forget her. I will love her to the day I die.

Eulogy for Maria Goretti Curl Heffernan

June 25, 1955 – November 21, 2013

Thank you so much to all who are here from the far corners of the United States and from abroad.  We are gathered here today to celebrate the life of our sister, wife, mother and friend Maria Curl Heffernan.  Maria was the 3rd daughter of Ramon and Eileen Curl and she would be followed by 6 more sisters and 2 brothers.  Arranging stuffed animals in a little red wagon, Maria's first words were ‘move over'.    It is with great affection that I say Maria never stopped telling any of us what to do from that point forward.

When I was growing up, Maria was my hero.  We grew up in difficult circumstances and for me, Maria really set an example of strength and intelligence.  But more than that she had a drive.  A drive for life, friendship and excellence.  Take a look around at the photo gallery.  She was a beauty, the complete package.

Maria attended Bronx HS of Science which was a school that only the best students were accepted into.  When it was time for college, believe it or not, our father forbade her to go.   Needless to say Maria left for Albany State University with or without our parents blessing.  In fact she enrolled as a sophomore and finished college in three years instead of four graduating with a BA in Psychology in May 1976 all under her own steam without the support most college students receive.

After college Maria returned to NY where she worked for the NY State Employment Office.  I remember that because I took full advantage of her position there as she found me many jobs.  At some point Maria decided to go back for her masters so she enrolled at COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY's SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK where she graduated in May 1983.  During this time, Maria was a roommate and mentor to our youngest sister who credits Maria with pushing her to enroll in college and shepherding her through many of the firsts that a college freshman had to deal with. 

Some of Maria's employers have been the Bronx VA Medical Center, Lenox Hill Hospital in NYC, Our Lady of Mercy Medical Center - an inner city hospital, Rikers Island Health Services and Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx.  In Chicago, Maria worked at Lutheran General Hospital, the University of Chicago Hospital, and most recently her own counseling practice.

Maria's work was very important to her and although she was already an expert in her field, she was not finished with her education and continued to pursue and become more knowledgeable in her area of expertise.

How can I begin to tell you all what Maria meant to me?  She was beautiful.  She was smart.  She always gave great advice.  She also drove me crazy.  I can't tell you how many arguments we had that would result in the two of us in tears and hugging.  Maria was tough, but no matter how hard we fought, I always knew that she was sensitive and as sisters will do, we always made up, one way or another.

In 1993 Maria married the love of her life, Fiacre Heffernan.  Their devotion to each other was deep and over the years they grew closer and looked forward to many more years together.  It goes without saying that their son Kevin was loved deeply by his mother.  Our hearts go out to you both today.
 
Our family knew hard times on many levels and one of our coping mechanisms has always been seeking the company of our brothers and sisters.  And laughter.  So if we seem like we're having too much fun, like we're having a party, we are.  We celebrate Maria.  Despite the laughing and talking, singing and maybe even dancing, Maria, my big hearted, big sister - we are missing you, an integral, a most important, and a most loved part of our family who can never, ever be replaced.  I know I will miss you as long as I live.

To Maria's Family, hope you can find strength in eachother at this sad time. Maria was currently seeing both our daughters. We are so sadden and in shock to have learned of her passing. She has been helping our daughters for some time now and was truly a Godsent in their lives. We will miss her guidence, kind words and laughter. You are in our prayers...

Dear Eileen,
I am so sorry for your loss.  I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Love, Ellen DeCicco

Dear Eileen, Nancy and Family
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. I hope the love and support of family and friends comforts you through this difficult time. Love and prayers,

You are all in my heart and prayer as you gather to celebrate Maria's life and support each other in this terrible loss.

Blessings to all the Curls and Heffernans.

Maria was absolutely wonderful with our daughter and we will never be able to thank her enough. We are sure she touched so many other lives. You are in our prayers. We miss her very much.

So sorry for your loss.  We are likewise devastated.  She has helped my daughter so much for the last few years and we will always be grateful.

Hasani and I have been so fortunate to have interacted with the members of the Curl family on so many happy occasions. We are saddened by the loss of Maria and our sincerest thoughts are with the entire family, all of whom we love so dearly.

We are so very,very sorry for your lose. Having meet all of you at Eileen's party we know what a great family you are and how much you care for one another. This is so sad.

Maria was a generous spirit, a straight shooter, bright, funny, irreverent and charming.  What an awful surprise to hear of her passing!  Fiacre and Kevin, you are in our thoughts and prayers however far from Chicago we may be.

Maria was the most wonderful person to walk into my life. Her loving heart and kind, wise words changed who I am. Without this wonderful woman I would not at all be the person I am today. Trying to remember the good times in this rough patch is all I can do. Love you Maria.

I met Maria in 1982 on the #1 train in the Bronx. We were both coming back from class at Columbia University. She came over to me and recognized me from class. It was as if I had known her all my life. That day we went out for pizza and couldn't stop talking to each other. She was the smartest friend I had, always genuine and a caring person. We traveled to Europe together and she was a bridesmaid at my wedding. When she moved to Chicago, sometimes we didn't talk for awhile but when we did it was just like we had been talking every day . She always understood me and knew exactly the write things to say. She was a   great mother and wife and a person I was proud to call my buddy and a true friend. Maria, I will miss you so much!

Maria had a bright spirit, a cheerful smile and a positive attitude for everyone who came to see her. She was the best and smartest inspiration my son had ever had. Her passing has created a void in our hearts. She will be sadly missed.

Maria was my rock for many years and helped me through many tough times.  I will miss her forever.
Alan

I will always remember Maria's kindness and understanding. I will miss her. I am praying for her family, friends, coworkers and clients at this difficult time.

OBITUARY

Maria G. Heffernan

25 June, 1955 – 21 November, 2013

Oehler Funeral Home

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