Teressa "Tess" J. Curran

She was born April 4, 1948 in Arlington, Virgina, the youngest child of Colonel George T. Petersen and Opal Janett Herberg Petersen. As an "Army brat" she grew up in many places, including Virginia, Maryland, Michigan, Germany, and her favorite childhood home, Philadelphia. She graduated from Grosse Pointe (MI) High School and was a Fine Arts major at Eastern Michigan University. In recent years she lived in Wickenburg AZ but previously had been a long time resident of Phoenix.

In a classic love at first sight story she met Dr. William P. Curran III, soon leading to a long devoted marriage. Together they felt fortunate and proud to have raised three loving children, her greatest joy in life. In addition to her husband, Tess is survived by her children Tamara J. Ledyard (Matthew) of Katy TX, Maressa E. Spohn (Daniel) of Phoenix AZ, and William P. Curran IV (Sydella) of Glendale AZ. She cherised her grandchildren Aidan Ledyard of Katy TX, Noah Ledyard of Iowa City IA, and EmmyLou Spohn of Phoenix AZ. She is also survived by her sisters Karen Cameron of Orem UT and Barbara Bachman (Howard) of Williamsburg VA, along with several nieces and nephews.

She was a life-long student of history and the arts, and she enjoyed spending time with her husband in their favorite places, Manhattan, New Orleans, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Baja California Norte.

Her diverse professional and public roles included TWA flight attendant, commercial artist, designer, contractor, historical preservationist, community activist, political volunteer, award winning costume designer for the theatre, and volunteer for several children’s arts organizations. Her favorite vocation was manager of a religious goods store, where she found fulfillment helping those in need of hope and comfort.

She was known for her creativity, kindness, selflessness, simple faith, and quiet courage. She leaves a large space in our hearts and will be deeply missed by her family and close friends.

The family will hold a private graveside Catholic service followed by interment at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Phoenix.