Betty Jean Curry

Obituary To BJ, we offer our grateful appreciation for your presence in our lives, for teaching us about love and sacrifice and devotion; for your humility and honesty, and for your role as the consummate Mother to us all. BJ is a saint to us, although she would protest her embarassment over such high praise. (Sorry, Mom, but we know you'll forgive us.) Our loss is heaven's gain, for it is now graced with the presence of a spirit so kind and giving, so warm and loving, so honest and true, that one can easily imagine the smile on God's face as he welcomed her to His kingdom on December 23rd. BJ chose to join her husband Phil on his birthday, the day before her own, proving again her infinite devotion to her loved ones. She accepted everyone without judgment, and was always the ideal companion: from baptisms to shopping to having fun in Vegas. BJ's light will continue to guide us on our journey: son Scott Curry (Laura), daughters Kimberlee Sutherland (Scott) and Cheryl Larson (Jeff), son Jeff Curry (Bette Anne), grandchildren Zachary, Johann, Elizabeth, Alex, Natalie, Dylan, Conor and little Duncan. We will all miss her deeply, as will her sister Auntie Marie and her family, and her many friends and neighbors. BJ was born in Tacoma (don't call her this) Betty Jean Ancich and lived her entire life in this wonderful town, the daughter of an Old Town fisherman. BJ was a beautiful young woman when she met her husband Phil, a dashing charmer who graduated from UPS, and they married in 1960. Phil preceded her in death last year, after 45 years of marriage. BJ worked for 30 years as a dental assistant at Fort Lewis, earning many awards for her dedication and service. BJ was proud of her Croation heritage, and loved the old world music and dances and recipes. BJ's apple pie is legendary, and her grace with the Polka was admired by all. She loved to have parties with her family and friends, to decorate her beautiful home, take walks in Garfield Park, shop on QVC with her daughters, and live life to its fullest. BJ cared so deeply for those around her that she always provided the warmth and laughter whenever you needed it most. BJ's presence will forever remain alive in our hearts. Reader, please forgive our indulgence here because we also wish to acknowledge all of you who have lost a parent or loved one. You may recognize our love and pain as your own and perhaps hug and hold your loved ones a little tighter and longer. Mom wrote to us that she wanted us to love each other, and to have a great party to celebrate her life. This is typical BJ, full of fun and the joy of life, and we will always honor her because of her faith in each of us and her inspiration to have a life lived well. In Memoriam: Phil Curry Happy Birthday Dad, we love you and miss you. Now Mom is with you, your lifetime companion, and you can dance the polka together again.