Mary was born on February 4, 1933, at home in Clarence, PA, to Joseph Koleno and Helen Koleno (Rackovan). She attended Snow Shoe Senior HS where she graduated in 1950. She was very active athletically and as a cheerleader. Mary married her husband of 55 years, Robert E Curtis, Sr, on Aug 18, 1950 in Evans City, PA. To this union were born two daughters, Roberta Rose (Hill) and Kitty Laraine (Custer), and one son, Robert Eugene.
Mary was a loving and dedicated mother and spouse. After being raised in Clarence, PA, she married in 1950 and moved several times in support of her husband’s travel demands. In 1958 she settled with her family of five in New Brighton, PA until her children reached high school age. She exercised her compassion for others outside the home by teaching Sunday School in the New Brighton Free Methodist church to children and adults. Later as a pastor’s wife she continued teaching and performing numerous other church duties at the Free Methodist Churches in Ohioville, PA, Monaca, PA, East Liverpool, Ohio, and Rochester, PA. She also employed her management skills working for a number of years as manager of the book store at Geneva College in Beaver Falls, PA. After retiring from Geneva College, Mary worked as an elderly care provider for several years.
Mary is survived by her children: Roberta Hill of Colorado Springs, CO; Kitty Custer of Darlington, PA; Robert of Watford City, ND; her grandchildren, Ryan Hill and Stephanie Hill of Colorado Springs, CO, Ashley (Davis) of Sugarland, TX, Heather (Naggy) of Monaca, PA, Michael Curtis of Watford City, ND and Jonathan Curtis of Coatesville, PA, Mark Custer of Pittsburgh, PA and Matthew Custer of Sewickley, PA.; sisters, Virginia, Patsy, Monaca, Sidney, and Aggie; nine great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Curtis; parents, Joseph and Helen Koleno; and siblings Paul, Rose and Albert.
Private services will be held at the SAUL-GABAUER FUNERAL HOME, INC., at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.
If desired, memorial contributions may be directed to the City Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 965, New Castle, PA 16103-0965.
Living Life
Life is not a race, but indeed a journey. Be honest. Work hard. Be choosy. Say “Thank You”, “I Love you”, and “Great job” to someone each day.
Go to church, take time for prayer, The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh. let your handshake mean more than pen and paper. Love your life and what you’re given, it is not accidental. Search for your purpose and do it the best you can.
Dreaming does matter. It allows you to become that which you aspire to be. Laugh often. Appreciate the little things in life and enjoy them. Some of the best things really are free. Do not worry, less wrinkles are more becoming.
Forgive, it frees the soul. Take time for yourself, plan for longevity. Recognize the special people you’ve been blessed to know. Live for today, enjoy the moment. By Bonnie Mohr
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