Josephine Curtin

Josephine Louise Fini Curtin or affectionately known as "Dolly", 95 years old, resident of Colonial Heights, Virginia, passed away Friday, September 19, 2014. She was born April 24, 1919 in Leominster, MA to Giovanni and Cesira Fini, the oldest daughter of eleven children. She was preceded in death by her husband Lt. Colonel (RET) Joseph S. Curtin, whom she enjoyed 36 years of marriage, five brothers and three sisters. Dolly was an avid reader, an animal lover, enjoyed bird watching and gardening. She relished the competiveness of playing Bridge and Scrabble with her girlfriends, enjoyed sewing and never met anything chocolate she didn't like! Her home was the center of her life, where she enjoyed entertaining family, friends and neighbors and was known for her "Southern" hospitality. To her children and grandchildren she leaves a legacy of tremendous strength, grace and much love. She is survived by her children, Joseph S. Curtin, of Bali Indonesia, Jeffrey M. Curtin (wife Gay Curtin), Mechanicsville VA, Gregory A. Curtin (wife Nancy Curtin), Bumpass, VA., Patricia Curtin Quinn (husband Paul Quinn), Lancaster PA, David L. Curtin, Matoaca VA, Lisa Curtin Sheppard, Colonial Heights, VA; grandchildren, Andrew Quinn, Anna Quinn Harrelson, Jessee Jo Curtin, Meghan A. Curtin, Chadd A. Porter, Alex M. Quinn, Adam J. Curtin, Clay A. Porter; great-grandchildren, Mary Hudson and Laura Cooper Harrelson, Beatrice and Josephine Quinn; two brothers, John Fini of Leominster, MA and Herbert Fini of Vero Beach, FL. She is also survived by an overwhelming number of nieces and nephews, both here and abroad. Dolly is also survived by her loving and devoted best friend of over 60 years, Thelma Widdel of Chester, VA. A Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 25, 2014 at St. Ann Catholic Church, 17111 Jefferson Davis Highway, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834, with Fr. Lou Ruoff, Celebrant. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the Mass from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church. A private graveside service will follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Colonial Heights Fire & EMS, P.O. Box 3401, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory 2033 Boulevard. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.