Jessie R Curley

Jessie R. Curley (9/28/37 – 8/10/25) was born and raised in Arlene, Michigan (yes, it’s on the map), the 7th of 9 children of John and Elizabeth VanderWeide, and was raised in the countryside where everyone pitched in to make things work. Neither parent was blessed to have been able to pursue higher education, but were adamant that their children have that choice if desired. Five nurses, two teachers, and two businessmen later, their prayers were answered.

After high school Jessie attended the Pine Rest School of Nursing in Grand Rapids, Michigan, graduating from the 3-year program with a degree in psychiatric nursing. After graduation she worked as a nurse at Pine Rest for 12 years.

In 1968 Jessie married Larry Curley in Michigan, and after welcoming sons Bryan and Dan they moved to Tucson in 1970.

She enjoyed getting involved in the neighborhood, church, and school. After twelve years she went back to school at Pima Community College to receive her RN degree, taking a semester off to care for the newest family addition of Nate. Yes, Dan, you are now a middle child!

She worked at El Dorado Hospital for 25 years in post-op ortho, neuro, and general surgery. After retiring from the hospital, she worked for Preferred Home Health for 10 years, doing in-home IV infusions. She was honored to have been chosen as one of Tucson’s “Fabulous 50” nurses in 2012.

Continually looking for ways to help others, she served on mission medical trips to Haiti, Honduras, and Mexico, always returning humbled.

Jessie enjoyed many great trips in the United States and abroad, and loved the horse races at Rillito Park in Tucson. She loved adventure, which her sons have inherited and carried on!

Thanks for friend Jackie for all the years of friendship and trips.

Jessie leaves behind her three sons, Bryan (Meredith), Dan (Windra), and Nate (Sarah), her five beloved grandchildren Daniel, Ian, Zoe, Drew, and Madelyn, two sisters Barb Hoekwater and Lynn VanderWeide, brother Steve (Deb) VanderWeide, brother-in-law Mike (Peg) Curley, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christ Community Church Youth Program in Tucson, AZ.  Donate to General fund with a memo of “for Youth Programs in honor of Jessie Curley”.