Joan graduated from Tuckahoe High School in New York in 1956 and began working at Union Carbide Corporation in the Linde Division. There, she was an early proponent of maternity benefits for working women. After 30 years of service, she retired as Manager of Administration in 1986.
Joan and her husband, Donald Curran, were married on Marco Island and were together for 45 years. Joan is survived by her husband; daughters Joanmarie Curran of Washington, Jeanne (Tom) Wallace and Jill Steckley of Michigan; son David (Karen) Curran of Connecticut; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; sisters Jean Clifford and Lorraine (John) Massaro of New York; brother-in-law Bernard Curran of Florida; and many nieces and nephews and special friends.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Richard and Jack Engel; brother-in-law John Clifford; sister-in-law Lois Curran; son-in-law Rick Steckley; and son Donald Curran.
Joan was a member of San Marco Catholic Church in Marco Island and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Traverse City. She was an avid walker and friend to everyone she met, always eager to lend an ear when needed and offer a sensible word of positive encouragement. She will be remembered as an empowering woman of impeccable wisdom, patience, and strength.
A memorial for family and friends will be held at a later date.
For a more lasting memorial, donations may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital:
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St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105
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