FRANKLIN, IN.
Lorilee Deer Curry, 82, of Franklin, Indiana passed away at home on July 9, 2023. She was born in McKeesport, PA on September 29, 1940, to Robert and Ruth (Harrison) Deer. She was preceded in death by her parents, by a son Moss, and by a brother Robert. She is survived by her husband James Curry of Franklin, IN, daughter Katy of Champaign, IL, grandchildren James (Jimmy) of Greenwood, Fritz and Avelina Junkins-Curry of Champaign, IL, and by a great granddaughter, Olivia.
Lorilee was a graduate of Bethany College in West Virginia (BA) and the University of Pittsburgh (MA). She married James Curry in August of 1964, which was the beginning of nearly 59 years of love and partnership. She was an elementary school teacher for 46 years, serving in McKeesport, PA for three years, Oklahoma City for five years, and Clark Pleasant school district for thirty-eight years. For many years, she taught a selected group of 4th-5th grade students at Clark-Pleasant, having the same students for two consecutive years. Lorilee was totally dedicated to her students and was an accomplished and creative teacher. She was loved by her students as was reflected in the many former students who have continued to stay in touch with her decades after graduating. She was also a loyal and dear friend to many of her colleagues until the end of her life.
Lorilee was exceptionally devoted to her students and profession. She suffered two bouts of breast cancer in the late 1990’s, which both required radical surgery and chemotherapy. Her typical day during the chemotherapy was to rise as usual at 5:30 and be in her classroom at 7:30, teach all day, then go straight to the hospital for chemotherapy. Arriving home afterward she would prepare dinner for the family, then spend the evening grading papers.
Lorilee was a master gardener and especially loved attending her flower gardens in the summer. She had a knack for making everything beautiful. She was especially talented at making arrangements of potted flowers. Her porch, patio and yard overflowed with them and gave her and her family much pleasure. A short time before her death, she expressed the wish that she could have had just one more spring in which to plant her flowers.
Her loss leaves her family and close friends with a profound sense of grief. She was the mainstay of her family and has influenced all of their lives immeasurably. Donations in her memory may be made to her favorite charity, the Johnson County Humane Society at 3827 North Graham Road Franklin, IN 46131 or at www.swartzmortuary.com. She loved animals and always had one or more dogs and/or cats as companions.
It was her wish that no service be held in her memory.
Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN is handling the arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-738-0202.
