Colleen Begey Curtin

Our beloved Mother and Grandmother, Colleen Begey Curtin passed away in the home of her daughter surrounded by her family on Friday, April 17th at the age of 80 after fighting a brave battle with Parkinsonism for the last 8 years. Throughout her lifetime she was an inspiration to all who knew her.

Colleen was born in Torrington, CT, to a Swiss immigrant mother, Hlne Widmer, and a first generation French father, Arthur Begey. Both sets of families had come to the US to seek opportunity that hard work could provide. Colleen and her sister Jean, born 1 year earlier, attended Torrington Schools and graduated together in 1945 from Torrington High School. In the 1945 high school yearbook, known as the Torringtonian, recorded this comment "Colleen's pleasing personality was enjoyed by all who have met her her pretty smile and cheerful greeting were very conspicuous in the school corridors." Colleen and Jean were active participants in many clubs and organizations in support of the school. Colleen was a cheerleader for several years and was respected by all for her ability to cheer people up with her smile, spirit, and kindness.

Colleen had plans for a nursing career but met and fell in love with Gerald J. Curtin of nearby Winsted before she finished her training. They were married on August 5, 1948 at St. Francis Church in Torrington. Her sister, Jean, was the maid of honor. Colleen traveled with her husband shortly thereafter to Washington, D.C. where Gerald attended Georgetown University Dental School. Colleen quickly began her new career as a wife and on April 30, 1949, their first child arrived. Before Gerald finished dental school and launched his dentistry practice, Colleen and Gerald had their second and third children. The young family made their initial home in Rockville, MD, approximately 1 mile from the house on Viers Mill Road that Dr. Curtin converted into his dental office. Gerald walked to and from work while Colleen devoted herself to her ever-growing family. Colleen was a natural as a mother. She was a loving mother to eventually six children, instilling in them self-confidence, a love of God and respect for others.

Colleen had a multitude of wonderful gifts: self sacrifice, humility, grace, kindness, joyfulness, athleticism, love of music and song, gentility, intuition, sensational cook, and hospitality. All those family and friends, who were invited into her home, knew that they were warmly and genuinely welcomed. If they were invited to dinner, they were twice blessed!

Her family, her children, and grandchildren were so very fortunate to have her as daughter, sister, spouse, mother, aunt, and grandmother. She had a special love and devotion to young children. As her children grew up and had children of their own, they began to see firsthand and appreciate the bond that she developed with her grandchildren. She was indeed a wonderful, loving, and gentle lady.

Colleen was preceded in death by 12 weeks by her beloved husband of 60 years. Both have been laid to rest together at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, TX. Colleen and Gerald had been living in Texas with their daughter Colleen Belmore since 2004. In addition to Colleen, they are survived by their other five children: Terence A. Curtin of San Antonio, TX, Gerald D. Curtin of Poway, CA, Michelle T. Flynn of Lyons, CO, Margaret A. Bergman of Silver Spring, MD, and Patricia H. Morin of Kensington, MD. They also are survived by their 10 grandchildren.

It was an honor and special privilege to have you as our Mom, Grandmother, and friend. We can never thank you enough for your love and dedication to each of us. We love you today and forever. God bless.

A private service was held on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in San Antonio.