Jean M. Curtis Print

Jean M. Curtis`

Beloved wife, sister, and aunt;

Jean M. (Gallivan) Curtis, 67, of Lowell, Massachusetts, passed away

peacefully on Wednesday, October 6th, 2021, after a brief illness surrounded

by her loving family at Lowell General Hospital.

In June 1979, she married her beloved husband Thomas M. Curtis, Jr.

Soulmates and partners for five decades, their abundance of love was evident

to all lucky enough to be near “T+J”.

Born in Brighton, Massachusetts, April 7, 1954, she was the daughter of the

late Joseph A. and the late Frances (Honan) Gallivan. Growing up in

Winthrop, Jean could be found at the CYO and at the beach. She enjoyed the

Drum Corp and was a Color Guard Captain for the St. John’s Missiles.

Following graduation from Winthrop High School in 1972, she received her

Associates Degree from the Katharine Gibbs School. Jean was an Executive

Assistant for over 37 years at the Massachusetts Housing and Finance Agency

in Boston.

Between the office and her family, Jean was known for her organizational

skills and pension for detail. She crossed every “t”, dotted every “i” and

did it dressed with fabulous accessories - no doubt 75% off “bahgins” from

Filene’s Basement where she was a devoted daily shopper.

Spring, summer and fall, Jean was an avid gardener. From Medford to Lowell,

her gardens were legendary. Her backyard oasis was a favorite gathering

place for family and friends.

To her nieces and nephews, she was Auntie Jean - the forever “cool aunt”.

She passed on the family traditions of quick-wit, finding a good deal, being

organized and, most importantly, selflessness.

Jean’s caring personality extended beyond her immediate circle of family

and friends. She enjoyed spending time in her community volunteering for the

Wish Project and the Merrimack Valley Food Bank in Lowell.

Besides her husband, Jean is survived, her brother Paul Gallivan and his

wife Laura from Milton, MA; four sister-in laws, Catherine Gallivan from

Winthrop, MA; Kathleen Loane and her husband David from York, ME; Maureen

Clark and her husband Mark from Eliot, ME; Joanne O'Brien and her husband

Garry of Reading, MA; and many loving nieces and nephews. She is also

survived by her many dear friends and extended family members.

She was also predeceased by three brothers James, John, and Joseph

Gallivan.

Friends may call at the O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. in LOWELL

on Friday October 15th, 2021, from 3 to 7 P.M. (Masks are required for

entrance to the Funeral Home). Relatives and friends are invited to attend

her Funeral Mass to be celebrated on Saturday at the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

CHURCH in LOWELL at 10 o’clock (Masks are strongly encouraged) followed by

her burial at St. Mary Cemetery in Tewksbury. Please dress as colorfully as

Jean’s gardens. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com.

Those wishing may make contributions

in her memory to the Merrimack Valley Food Bank, PO Box 8638, Lowell, MA

01853 or the Wish Project at PO Box 8693, Lowell, MA 01853. Arrangements by

Funeral Director James F. O'Donnell, Jr. (978)-458-8768.


Condolences (10)
  • Philip Filosa  - Jeano Was the Best
    Jean came to the MHFA soon after I started in 1979. As time went on she became 'Jeano', Paul Burbine was 'Poopah' and I was the 'Prince of Mince'. The three of us were the Financial Director's Office. I often wonder how what Paul and I would have done without her. She was one of the most loyal and capable persons I have ever met, and aided us in getting through some very difficult times. Always smiling, always positive, always grateful to get home to her 'Tommy'. This is a great loss and a tough one for me.
  • James McCaughey  - Gone but never forgotten….
    I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Jean, I worked with here over the years at Mass Housing until we both retired. She was always kind and caring…..but one thing was for certain, she ran a tight ship and was always there when you needed her. Rest In Peace
  • Louise Burden
    My deepest sympathies to Jean’s family. I knew Jean from working at MassHousing and always enjoyed our conversations. She was a wonderful person who I know will be missed greatly. RIP Jean
  • Al Hoban  - She kept it humming
    I met her when she first started at Masshousing. Then I was an auditor. When it came to getting things done, Jean was mission control. Always with grace, kindness, thoughtfulness and all the qualities we wish we all had. Then came Rambo the live of her life. I can't describe the stories of Rambo s trips to the West. Those two really liked each other and all of us Too. I am so sad about her passing and cherish the gifts and memories she and Tommy gladly shared with each of us.
  • Fran ahern
    We were friends for over forty years twenty five years working together Jean was a beautiful person inside and out and I will miss her each and every day. God Bless Jean and may God help Tommy through this very sad time.
  • Terrie Ahern  - Most amazing assistant anyone could have
    Jean was my dad’s secretary for many years. I grew up with her and she was always happy and would give me candy when me and my mum went to visit my dad at work. I’m so saddened of her passing and my condolences to her family and loved ones... Terrie (Burbine) Ahern
  • Bill Churchill
    Lin and I were so saddened to hear of Jean's passing. She was a lovely lady and a good friend. She had a great sense of humor and alway had a quick response to my teasing here. She was a bright light in this sometimes gloomy world. Jeannie will be missed by all of us. Bill and Lin Churchill
  • Frankie Rosado
    Tom so sorry to hear about Jeannie , Frankie
  • Stephen Carey
    Dear Tom , My deepest sympathy to you . She was a lovely Lady .
  • Nancy Slaney  - A Woderful Person
    I am so shocked and saddened by this news. I worked with Jean at MassHousing. I remember how friendly she was to me when I first started and didn't know anybody. She will always be remembered for her kindness, quick wit, and her love of the Red Sox!
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