Elina Loudmila Curran

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Elina Curran, a loving wife, mother, and friend, at the age of 53. After a courageous eight-year journey with metastatic breast cancer, Elina passed away on October 14, 2024, in Edina, Minnesota. She was born on May 9, 1971, to Lyudmila Fedorenko and Stanislav Erdavletov in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

It is hard to convey by word the depth of Elina’s strength and the spirit with which she imbued life. Whether it was traveling to far-flung destinations, diving into new foods, or meeting a stranger she would soon call a friend, Elina’s zest for life was infectious. Her curiosity knew no bounds. Elina was an avid reader of French history and an appreciative consumer of good wine and convivial company. She appreciated a challenge and never shied from setting high goals for herself. Witness three years ago when Elina, brand new to golf, set a goal to be a ladies’ player of the year. She practiced and pursued this goal with vigor. And in 2024, Elina earned the honor of Tiburon’s 2024 Ladies League Champion Player of the Year.

Elina’s greatest joy and accomplishment was her late son, Christopher Wivholm. In his memory, she founded the Chris Wivholm Foundation to fund research to cure substance use disorders and established a memorial scholarship awarded annually to an Eden Prairie high school student.

Before creating the foundation, Elina earned her Master’s degree in International Education Administration from the University of Minnesota and had a successful career as a human resources professional in the healthcare industry.

Elina was preceded in death by her son, Chris, and her parents. She is survived by her devoted husband, Thomas Curran; stepchildren Megan, Patrick, and Shannon (Renat Balandin); her best friend and sister of her heart, Masha Karubian, and her niece of her heart, Lauren Karubian.

Elina cared deeply for her family, friends, and former colleagues. Her bright gaze, constant encouragement, compassionate care, and witty humor will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, Elina requested that donations be made to the American Breast Cancer Foundation or the Chris Wivholm Foundation.

The family is planning a private memorial with family and friends.