August 2, 2011 > Obituary: Mary Ann Curtis Obituary: Mary Ann Curtis December 14, 1939 - July 20, 2011 Recent Resident of Truckee, CA Former Resident of Los Gatos, CA Mary Ann blessed her parents, Edward and Mary Ann Churka with her birth in Chicago, Illinois on December 14th 1939. From the day she was born, she brought happiness to everyone that knew her; her smile could light a dark room. Her family moved to sunny California when Mary was six years old. She attended a girl's Catholic school until her high school years, then attended Washington High in Fremont and excelled as head cheerleader, honor student and a model. Mary was an amazing person. Her laugh was contagious and her humor unmatched. Her life was based on values, respect for others, class and artistic creativity. She could take a blank, boring room and turn it into a castle. She was courageous beyond measure. She would never back down from a challenge. Mary had a full and exciting life of world traveling, painting, interior designing, hosting art events, and being a top selling realtor for many years. She was a very hard worker, well known in her Real Estate community. Her "Velvet Hammer" nickname was because she would, "Nail the Deal with Honor and Class." She always said her best attributes in life were her four children and nine grandchildren. She always made time for family and loved any kind of family gathering. She loved treating her grandchildren to a trip to the candy shop. Our mother was the light of our lives. She will be missed every single day. We were blessed to be her children and honored to be witness to her journey to Heaven on July 20, 2011. Mary Ann is survived by her siblings; Edward Churka (Diane), Tom Churka and Marge Elwell (Dennis); children; Linda D'Arpino (Vince), Marlene Leal (David), David Curtis and Steve Curtis (Megan); her grandchildren; Deanna, Michelle, Samantha, Gina, Daniel, Molly, Joe, Amelia, Maggie, baby Curtis (on the way)... and of course, Buster (loving canine companion). "I will not say goodbye - because you will live in my heart forever." Family and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Mass at St Joseph's Church, 43148 Mission Blvd. Fremont, on Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 10 a.m. If you would like to make a donation in honor of Mary Ann Curtis, please make it to the following places that were dear to her heart: Assumption Catholic Church Truckee: 10116 E St., Truckee, CA 96161 (530) 587-3595 Tahoe Forest Cancer Center, 10956 Donner Pass Rd., #330, Truckee, CA 96161 (530) 582-6450