Maria Frances Currie

1926 - 2013

Maria Frances Currie obituary, 1926-2013, Yuma, AZ

BORN

1926

DIED

2013

FUNERAL HOME

Johnson Mortuary & Desert Lawn Memorial Park

1415 South 1st Ave

Yuma, Arizona

Maria Currie Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 18, 2013.

Maria Frances Currie (1926 - 2013)

Maria Frances Currie passed away Thursday, September 5, 2013 at her home in Yuma, AZ.

She was born Maria Frances Flohr on May 30, 1926 in New York City. She grew up in New Jersey and earned her Bachelor of Science degree at N.Y.U. Shortly after, she enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Maria became a Captain and trained pilots on aircraft instrumentation. It was at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. that she met her future husband John Thomas (Jack) Currie. Jack was a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force. They were both veterans of the Korean conflict.

They were just shy of celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary when he passed away in June of this year. After their Air Force commitment, Maria and Jack lived in the Phoenix area while Jack earned his Bachelor of Science degree from A.S.U. They then moved to Yuma, AZ. Maria taught civics for most of her career at Gila Vista Jr. High School. She joined the American Legion Post 19 and was eventually elected Post 19, and then AZ State Commander of the American Legion.

She was active in the Girls and Boys State Scholarship awards. Anyone who knew Maria was aware of her patriotism and enthusiasm for functions at the American Legion throughout her life. Maria had a close knit group of girlfriends that remained close to her until the end of her life. She truly treasured their friendships. She was civic minded and was involved in numerous charities.

Maria was preceded in death by her husband, John T. Currie; brother, George Flohr; sons, John Brian and Stephen Paul Currie and grandson, Glenn Patrick Currie II. She is survived by sons, Keith Thomas, Glenn Patrick, Mathew David (Mary) and Sean Michael Currie; daughter, Chris (Robert) Houseknecht; grandsons, Antoine (Tony) and Nicholas (Nick) Currie and Jesse Kingsland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Girls and Boys State Scholarship Fund through the American Legion Post 19, 2575 S. Virginia Dr. Yuma AZ. 85364. Graveside service and burial to be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd. Phoenix, AZ. 85024. Services will be at 10:30AM on Friday, September 20, 2013.

Johnson Mortuary, 1415 S. First Avenue, in Yuma, AZ was in charge of the local arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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January 4, 2014

David Mount

Mrs. Currie was without a doubt the toughest government teacher that I have ever encountered. I majored in Political Science at the University of Arizona, and it was all cake after her class in 1978-79. May she rest in peace, and thank you for the rigor and the memories. D. Mount

September 24, 2013

Colleen McEntyre Johnson

I worked with Maria for many years at Gila Vista. I learned many things from her from an easy way to hand out lockers to setting up my grade book and controlling the class. She was such a good mentor to me.

September 22, 2013

I have very find memories of the peanut butter cookies and mud cake she would make for us for our trip back to ASU. Her food was delicious, and she was always so kind to us. My sincere condolences extend to the family.

- Laurie Doering

September 22, 2013

MADONNA CHAVEZ

Mrs. Currie was as American as you could be, she was a teacher that believed hard work paid off in the end and would treat you well if you tried your hardest. I had her class from 80-81 and thought she was mean at first then by the end of the year I realized it wasnt about being mean, it was about getting a student to realize that without hard work you will not succeed .i still know the preamble today ..RIP Mrs. C

September 21, 2013

Bonnie Knight

Those of us that were fortunate enough to be taught by Mrs. Currie were taught much more than the school curriculum. She taught us class and dignity, and, for we girls, how to dress like a lady. She was one of a kind! RIP, Mrs. Currie.

September 21, 2013

Darlene Spelce

One of my favorite but "tough" teachers at Gila Vista---what a legacy you left for us!

September 21, 2013

Cheri Kumler Howry

I am proud to say that I had Mrs. Currie at Gila Vista in 1961. She was always in full control! No one crossed her and we all respected her! She taught us so much about government and patriotism and respect. She definitely made us all better citizens today. You will never be forgotten Mrs. Currie!

September 21, 2013

Loma Clark

One of the best teacher at Gila Vista, although I graduated from there in 1961 I will always remember her as an excellent teacher.

September 20, 2013

Dee Ann Durflinger

So sorry to hear of Mrs. Currie's passing. Sending prayers of comfort to her family. I remember her at Gila Vista many years ago. She was a strikingly tall lady with dark hair. I didn't have a class with her but everybody knew her. RIP Mrs. Currie

September 20, 2013

I went to Gila Vista in the 60's - Mrs. Currie was a teacher that had already educated many and had so many more years to go. As time slips by - I then went to work at Gila Vista in the 70's - working with her as a colleague was a great gift - smart - strict - by the book - and if you needed to know anything about US government or simply how to fly the flag she was the "go to person". I am glad we were friends - she never failed to ask about my family when I would see her after she retired - I am so glad that our paths crossed -
Karen Kottenbrook Johnson

September 19, 2013

Chris

Madre, I hope you have been reunited with all our loved ones. We have lost so many these last 2 years. Your house will seem so different now that you are not there. Holidays won't be the same without your planning, cooking, decorating, etc... R.I.P. Mother. Always,

September 19, 2013

Chris

Madre, I hope you have been reunited with all our loved ones. We have lost so many these past 2 years. Your house will seem so different now that you are not there. Holidays won't be the same without your planning, cooking, decorating, etc... R.I.P. Mother. Always,

September 18, 2013

Billy Pappin

Mrs. Currie was one of my teachers during 1963-64 school year at Gila Vista Junior High School. She controlled her class room which made all her students including me become better academically and respectful. I can truly say I became a better student because of her. There is only a few of my teachers that I remember. She was always at the top of that list. God Bless you Mrs. Currie and thank you for all you have done in making all your students great Americans.

September 18, 2013

Walt Johnson

I was a brand new teacher at Gila Vista in 1969, and Maria taught 8th graders. The students that she had, toed the line and measured up to her standards, before they were allowed to participate on any of my athletic teams. She was an old school, no nonsense, educator who taught values as well as her subject. Always a patriot, always with a kind word for a new teacher just starting out. Rest in Peace, Maria.

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Funeral services provided by:

Johnson Mortuary & Desert Lawn Memorial Park

1415 South 1st Ave, Yuma, AZ 85364

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