Karen Cicalla Curtis went to be with Jesus and her ancestors on Friday, June 3, 2022. She had battled a sudden, malicious illness that took her from her devoted family far too soon. Karen will be remembered as the lovely and talented half of a 43-year love story with her husband, Bobby Lee. She was a drive-through teller at First Tennessee bank when she met Bobby at the window. After a whirlwind romance, Karen and Bobby were married on Christmas Eve. These soul mates enjoyed nothing more than each other's company and counted each other as God's greatest blessing.
Karen was an inspiring, encouraging mother to her daughters, Candice and Cassie, who have taken her lessons on creativity, style and kindness to all corners of the world. She left a lasting memory for her grandson, Oliver, who was so happy to finally meet his Nonna.
Karen was a lifelong Memphian, a 12-year graduate of Treadwell High School and attended Memphis College of Art. She was proud to be the daughter of a Memphis Fire Department Battalion Chief, Eugene M. Cicalla, Jr. and her mother, Frances Eugenia, who both preceded her to Heaven. She leaves devastated sisters, Toni Cicalla and Pamela Hussey, and brother, Michael Cicalla.
Karen was known for her artistry and creativity in all aspects of life. She was forever redecorating the rooms in her home and working to make her garden more colorful each spring.The soundtrack to it all was her favorite music, which ranged from The Beatles and Elvis to Barry Manilow and Barbara Streisand... and so much more. She always had new craft projects on her workbench, mostly over-the-top holiday decorations. Karen's handpainted birdhouses and carefully layered scrapbooks took home Best in Show awards at the MidSouth Fair year after year. She was a supportive horse show mom and the best tipper ever at the Hard Rock Cafe on Beale.
Karen stood up for her daughters when they needed her, loved her husband deeply, and will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.
Family will receive friends from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Wednesday, June 8th at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 N. Germantown Rd, Bartlett, TN. Services will be at 2:00pm on Thursday, June 9th at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 N. Germantown Rd, Bartlett, TN.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralGermantownParkway.com for the Curtis family.
