NORWICH – Mary Louise Curley, 90, a long time Norwich resident, passed away on Saturday, April 12, 2008 at her residence, the Piper Shores Retirement Community in Scarborough, Maine.
Born Mary Louise Bartlett on Nov. 12, 1917, Mary Lou was one of two daughters of Howard Clark Bartlett and Mary Elizabeth Hogan Bartlett. She was raised in Oxford, graduating from Oxford Academy in 1935 and later from Central City Business School in Syracuse.
Mary Lou married John A. Curley and moved to Norwich in 1941. Through 42 years of marriage, John and Mary Lou were thoroughly devoted to each other. In their early years together, they played in local jazz bands, with Mary Lou playing the jazz piano and John playing the drums. Their affinity for jazz continued throughout their lifetimes. John predeceased her in 1983.
Mary Lou is survived by her son, Matthew of Cooperstown; her daughter, Jean Curley Hayes of Cape Elizabeth, Maine; a grandson, Clay Curley of Victor, Idaho; and a granddaughter, Regan Wesson of Summit, New Jersey. Regan’s three children, Amy, Mark, and Matt are Mary Lou’s great grandchildren. Also surviving is a niece, Betsey McCormack of South Plymouth, as well as several cousins, including Janet Helen Gordon of Cape Elizabeth, Maine; Ann Riddle Barone of Marlton, N.J., and Paul Hogan of Altadena, California. Mary Lou was predeceased by her sister, Abbie Jean Cooke.
Mary Lou had a long and brilliant career in public service. During the Franklin D. Roosevelt Administration, she held a position with the W.P.A. During World War II, Mary Lou worked for the War Council Office and County Rationing Board.
She was appointed Democratic Election Commissioner of Chenango County in 1954 and served in this position for 32 years, retiring in 1986. During her tenure, she was a member of the New York State Election Commissioners Association and was elected the Association’s president in 1977.
In 1950, she was a founding member of the Chenango County Democratic Women’s Club and served as the club’s president. Her dedication and tireless efforts on behalf of the club were ever present.
Starting in 1954, Mary Lou served as Vice Chairman of the Chenango County Democratic Committee. In this capacity she worked with six Committee Chairmen. Often asked if she would consider the chair, Mary Lou would refuse stating that she felt she could accomplish more behind the scenes. Mary Lou was honored for her accomplishments on several occasions, both by her fellow Democrats and her Republican friends.
Among the early ranks of professional women also raising and caring for a family, Mary Lou balanced these responsibilities with grace and apparent ease. She always found time to enjoy family occasions and provide guidance and support to her children and grandchildren.
In 2001, Mary Lou left her beloved Chenango County to reside in Scarborough, Maine nearby her daughter.
Mary Lou was a former member of St. Paul’s Church in Norwich. Calling hours will be held at Wilson Funeral Home on Monday, April 28 from 4 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Resurrection will be held at St. Paul’s Church on Tuesday, April 29 at 10:30 a.m. A family internment service will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Oxford.
Mary Lou requested that donations in her memory be given to either the local office of Catholic Charities, 3 O’Hara Drive, Norwich or to the Community Workshop ARC, Midland Drive, Norwich.