Marie Theresa Sandra Curtis

Marie Theresa Sandra Curtis, maiden name Raphael, of Miami, Florida passed away on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at the age of 40 after battling breast cancer. Marie, was affectionately called Sandra to her family and friends, and Ms. Curtis to her faculty and students as principal of Sunrise High School.

Sandra was born on October 3, 1982 in Queens, New York. She was the daughter of Micheline Geffrard, step-father late Pierre Marcel (Maxene) Geffrard, and late father Samuel Raphael.

At an early age, Sandra professed her faith in Jesus Christ and joined Evangel Church International, where she was a dedicated member. At Evangel Church International, she served faithfully as the dance leader for Visual Xpressions, and was a ECI12 Praise Team Leader, Youth Group Leader, and DIVAS Teen Girl Mentor. Sandra was also an active member of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Miami-Dade County, where she served as the Treasurer and Marketing Director, Key Connection Properties Social Media Marketing Director, Boss Babes of South Florida Marketing Director, LOUD Love of Urban Design Marketing Director, and Co-Host for We Think Loud Podcast.

Sandra was a wonderful woman that was concerned about the well-being of others. She was a humanitarian who gave herself and her energy, including her services to help others.

After graduating from Norland Senior High School in 2001, Sandra went on to study Education at Florida International University and later received her postgraduate degree from Western Governors University.

Sandra’s beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her children: Nicholas Ian Raphael, Ethan Maxene Raphael; brother Luckenson (Lucky) Raphael; aunts and uncles: Marie Lourdes Joseph, George Ferguson, Gladys Aubel, Eliane Cherubin; devoted family members: Don Ferguson, Lee Ferguson, Velma Ferguson, Vera Darby, Darleen Raphael, Floyd Barber, Gregory Cherubin, Marie Michelle Cherubin; and a host of devoted cousins, Squad, and friends.

Sandra was always positive, and her glow lit up everyone around her. Sandra’s light will always shine bright through every one of us and her memories will forever keep us smiling.

For you Sandra, we will hold on to each other just a little tighter, love one another just a little harder, pay a little more attention to one another, and push ourselves a little harder in remembrance of you.

A visitation for Marie will be held Saturday, May 27, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Star of David Memorial Gardens Cemetery and Funeral Chapel, 7701 Bailey Road, North Lauderdale, FL 33068. The funeral service will occur Saturday, May 27, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM in that chapel, with a committal service to follow from 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM at Garden of Peace at Bailey Memorial, 7801 Bailey Road, North Lauderdale, FL 33068.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.baileymemorial.com for the Curtis family.