"The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away." —William Shakespeare
Dot Curran left this world on April 27, 2020, after an extraordinary 94 years as a mother, wife, friend, go-getter and nurse. Born February 2, 1926, in Warwick, Rhode Island, to Francis Albert and Regina “Lena” Perry, she was sister to Helen, Mary and Robert. She was athletic, intelligent, fun loving and ready to experience the world. She found her gift in nursing and in 1947 graduated from her beloved Massachusetts General Hospital School of Nursing to begin a career that would span 60 years. She loved being a nurse and was an avid attendee of continuing education and MGH reunions well into her eighties.
In 1950 she married Kenneth Edward Curran, sharing 53 years together. They raised six children – Patricia, Kevin, Michael, Barry, Kathleen and Robert. Ken’s job brought them to live in many locations throughout the Northeast, and in every community Dot was a lifeforce. She became involved in church and town and always developed a strong set of friends whom she kept for a lifetime. They were thrilled to return to Massachusetts after Ken’s last transfer and settled in Manchester-by-the Sea. In retirement they also spent time in Ashland, New Hampshire, and Grove City, Florida. Dottie and Ken’s family grew to include their children’s spouses, 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Dot’s final years were spent in the loving care of her daughter, Kathleen, in North Reading.
Dot had many gifts, and anyone who knew her was the fortunate recipient of them, as she gave all that she was to others. She gracefully blended the contrasting sides of her spirit to bring her best to everything she did. She was contemplative and gregarious, intelligent and silly, organized yet a free spirit, restless and focused, independent and connected, serious and zany. Dot kept life rich by pursuing the many things she loved - the sun, gardening, the water, kayaking, books, theater, current events, travel and field trips, her faith, dogs, football, hand writing notes and sending articles she thought people would like, her favorite soap opera, doing fun things for others and nursing.
She loved family and friends and was much loved by them. Her children became accustomed to hearing “I just love your mother” anytime they met a friend or acquaintance of Dot’s. Her legacy is that she indeed gave her gifts away, and that lives on in all she touched.
Due to coronavirus concerns, her service and burial will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in her memory to: Mass. General Hospital, Nurses Alumni, 55 Fruit St. Boston, MA 02114.
