Shirley K Curry

Born in Tama, Iowa to Edward “Buck” William See and Edna Mae Schaffer, Shirley was the only grandchild born out of her mother’s family of eleven brothers and sisters – a fact that earned her a spot in the Guinness World Book of Records. The union of her parents was short lived, and her father Edward remarried Viola Hotchkiss which blessed her with two sisters and one brother. She graduated from San Bernardino High School in 1953 and proudly joined the United States Marine Corps immediately after, serving at Perris Island, North Carolina, as a Supply Clerk.

Shirley was married to George F. Egan (deceased 2018), also a Marine, from 1953 to 1969. Shirley and George raised their young family in Baltimore, MD, Bay Village, OH and Jacksonville, FL. In 1969 arriving back in San Bernardino, her days of being a stay-at-home mom ended as she began her twenty plus year career at the former Norton Air Force Base starting at the Golf Club and then at the NCO Club as a Timekeeper, Clerk Typist and Purchasing Agent. It was during this time, she married Harold G. Curry, SMSGT, of the United States Air Force remaining happily married and adored until his passing in 1997.

Shirley was always available and took great care and joy in providing a loving home for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was a lifelong seamstress, cross-stitcher, and knitter – blessing family and friends with afghans, baby gifts, scarves, dish towel sets, and more. She played solitaire and Kings Corner while watching television, which she called the “boob tube.” In later years she absolutely loved playing Bunco with her monthly Bunco group and played bunco weekly at the Highland Senior Center as well as attending Friday Knitting Classes at the Senior Center.

A dedicated volunteer, Shirley spent many years giving her time to Inland Empire Lighthouse for the Blind, where she was honored with the prestigious J. Dale Gentry Award for Outstanding Service in 1998. She was also a proud 50-year member of the American Legion Post 14, and Post 421, the VFW, and a lifetime member of the Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee.

She was predeceased by her oldest child Nancy Egan on 10-5-20, her youngest child Robin Ringl on 3-7-19, Grandson Nicholas Egan on 4-13-20, brother Denny See on 4-9-15, sister Sandi Wakefield on 4-28-18 and sister Pam Mathiews on 4-9-24. Surviving Shirley are sons Gary Egan (Judy) of Phoenix, AZ, John Egan of Phelan, CA, and daughter Sandy Wood (Greg) of Highland, CA, 11 Grandchildren, 14 Great Grandchildren, 1 Great-Great Grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express sincere appreciation to the wonderful angels who have provided friendship, comfort, and care to our mom, especially Mary Gould, Janet Gfellar, Nadine Scharnott and Cheryl Brown. A heartfelt thank you to The Loma Linda Veterans Administration, Redlands Home Instead, Mission Hospice, Highland Senior Center, and Family Service Association of Redlands for your services.

Thursday, June 12, 2025 - Viewing, Vigil, and Rosary (7 pm) and Service 5:30 to 9:00 pm at Montecito Mortuary Cypress Chapel in Loma Linda, CA.

Friday, June 13, 2025, Mass of Resurrection at 10:00 am at St. Adelaide Catholic Church in Highland, CA with burial to follow at Riverside National Cemetery at 1:30 pm. Reception at St. John Bosco Church in Highland, CA. 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to Inland Empire Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc, Highland Senior Center, or a charity of your choice.