Joan Shirley Currie

Joan Shirley Currie, of Bristol, CT, died on September 11, 2012. "Shirley" was born on February 17, 1931 in Bangor, Maine, the third of nine children of Linwood and Matilda (Upton) Brown. She grew up in Bangor and Portland, Maine, working several years at Miller's Restaurant in Bangor, as a single mom; then moved to South Portland and eventually Meriden, CT., after marrying Jack Currie, to whom she was married for over 41 years and with whom she experienced a full and vibrant married life. Besides creating a nurturing and laughter-filled home, she also helped support her family, first as a factory worker at Pratt Whitney Aircraft and Sweetheart Plastics in the sixties and seventies, and then later as a tour guide and receptionist for Maine Line Tours in South Portland. Shirley is predeceased by two sisters and two brothers: Marie (Cad) Brown, and Ruth (Robert) Rogiers; Robert (Grace) Brown and Charles (Eleanor) Brown. Shirley is survived by seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and three sons: David (Jean) Little of San Diego, CA; Donald (Michele) Currie of Bristol; and Duane (Kathy) Currie of Westbrook, Maine. As a mother, Shirley did her very best work, leaving behind three very grateful family men. She is also survived by a sister, Carmen Vacchiano, of Portland, Maine; a brother, Paul (Eleanor) Brown of Cape Elizabeth, Maine; a brother, G. Richard (Linda) Brown and a sister, Sharon (John) Farrell, both of South Portland, Maine. Shirley also wanted to thank all of her special friends at the Neag Cancer Center, many of whom she considered family. Finally, Shirley always had a fervent devotion in her heart for her grandchildren, and was a special "Grammie" indeed for Stephanie and James, Emerald and Noelle, and Christopher, Jennifer and Julianne. She will always be remembered, by them and by all those who benefitted so much from knowing her. Visiting hours will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, September 20th at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. An 11:00 a.m. funeral service will be held on Friday, September 21st at the South Portland Chapel. Interment will be in Forest City Cemetery, South Portland. Memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Univ. of Conn. Foundation, Inc., NEAG Cancer Center Fund No. 21308, 2390 Alumni Dr., Unit 3206, Storrs, CT 06269.Online condolences may be expressed below.