WILMINGTON, MA — It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Sandra P. Curtin, 77, of 293 Salem Street, Wilmington, MA, who died the morning of Thursday, April 9, 2020 at Winchester Hospital from the Covid-19 virus.
Sandra is survived by her loving husband, Paul J. Curtin, who were married on April 14, 1968. Paul and Sandra would have celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary together this Tuesday – the day Sandra will be laid to rest. She is also survived by her older daughter, Suzanne Hall, husband Kevin, and granddaughters Olivia and Kassandra Hall of Wilmington, MA and her younger daughter, Alison Howlett, husband Brett and granddaughter Quinn Howlett, step-grandson Louis Howlett, of Brooklyn, NY and in-laws Margie & Marc Howlett of Melbourne, Australia. Sandra leaves behind close family members, including her cousin, Carolyn Thorne, of Winchester, MA who was like a sister to Sandra, and her husband David Thorne. She leaves her sister-in-law, Theresa Jellison of Salem, MA and brother-in-law Gene and wife Susan Curtin of Salisbury, MA and cousin Paula and husband Kevin O’Donnell of Winchester, MA and cousin Rona DePietro of Stoneham, MA.
Sandra was extremely active in town, a compassionate teacher and a loyal supporter of lifelong friends and neighbors from Wilmington where she and Paul have lived in the same house since 1969. Sandra had wonderful relationships with both her daughters’ friends – especially, Thierry & Liz Beckers and the “5-Pack” – Stacey, Jackie, Karen & Betsy – and friends from Ocean Park, ME where the Curtin’s owned a summer house they called “the cottage” for 35 years.
Sandra Phyllis Staffier was born on November 22, 1942 to Samuel and Annette (Scopa) Staffier, Italian Americans who settled at 19 Upton Terrace, Medford, MA for most of their lives. Sandra grew up an only child and Sam and Ann’s pride and joy. She attended Marycliff Academy in Medford, Class of 1960 and then attended Boston College graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Education in 1964. Sandra was a lifelong educator and community activist. She cherished her time as the school librarian at the Wildwood Elementary School in Wilmington. In her 50s, Sandra went back to school to get her master’s degree in Computer Science Education at Lesley University. Following her degree, she taught at St. Augustine’s School in Andover, MA where she had a strong bond with the students and teachers and following that role, worked at Andover School of Montessori.
Sandra had a passion for volunteering and spent many years as a dedicated Board Member at WCTV – Wilmington’s local cable station – where she produced and directed many shows, programs and events, most notably the annual “Visit with Santa” which continues to this day, with the “support” of her husband who was the one in the red suit (wink, wink). Sandra eventually earned the role of Executive Director at WCTV and worked there for many years, further committing herself to the people of Wilmington. During that time, she and Paul met Chris, Timmy and Eric – who became close friends of the Curtin family. Sandra and Paul were honored in 2003 by receiving the Wilmington “Good Guys” Award for their community service to the town, an honor they both cherished dearly. Sandra has always been an avid reader who enjoyed many years with her Book Club friends, including her dear friend, Joanne Poulin, husband Richard Poulin.
As a family, the Curtin’s took many trips to the homeland of Sandra’s mother-in-law, Mary O’Neill Curtin, in Ireland, as well as traveling throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Italy while the girls were young. During one special trip to Rome, they stayed in the Vatican City, by the kindness of Father Rafferty and Father Daley of St. Thomas Church. They have a very special group of friends, affectionately the “Wilmington Gang” including Catherine & Dick Dickinson, Tom & Carole Pazyra, Bob & Marylou Ducey, Peggy & Jack Smith, Frank & Barbara DeVita, Frank Scalesse and Barbara Skentzos. She has dear Boston College friends including Jeff Cates, wife Myra Cates, Elinor Downey, husband Paul Downey as well as close friends Joanne Hurley, husband John Hurley.
Sandra faced her life challenges head on, including health issues over the last several years due to Parkinson’s disease and getting through brain surgery three years ago for NPH. Through it all, she always kept her bright smile, infectious laugh, gift of gab and positive spirit. She was dedicated to her family, friends and the community and even until her final moments, she remained kind-hearted and optimistic. Sandra’s legacy will shine brightly in our hearts forever especially through all the colorful and entertaining stories from her happy life.
May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, you can make a memorial donation in Sandra’s name to the Wilmington High School Scholarship Fund at 159 Church Street Wilmington MA 01887.
DUE TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS
In respect of the current health crisis and safety of our community, the family will be holding a private burial service on Tuesday, April 14, 2020. Once it is safe again to hold gatherings, the family will announce Sandra’s “Celebration of Life” details via Facebook or you can refer to Nichols Funeral Home website at http://www.nicholsfuneralhome.com for updated information.
(NOTE: The above obituary is from Nichols Funeral Home.)
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