WESTFIELD: Frances Theresa Curran, 86, gently passed away with her devoted husband, Richard (Cracker) Curran by her side on Friday, November 19, 2021. Frances was born December 3, 1934 to Benjamin and Anna (Jegelewicz) Grigalunas and graduated Westfield High School in 1952.
She was a beautiful woman, most importantly in the way she lived her life – boldly, courageously, with confidence, independence, tremendous intellect and unshakeable faith.
First married to Charles Bristol, she was widowed at 24. She later met and fell in love with Richard who had fallen in love with her and her two beautiful daughters. They married at St. Casimir’s Church and together raised their six children. On October 22nd they celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary. Frances worked hard both at home and outside the home co-owning The Family Closet in Southwick; retiring from Westfield State College as a Campus Security Employee. Upon retirement Frances and Richard spent time at their camp on Lake Seymour in Morgan, Vermont. Together they enjoyed many trips to Florida, Kansas, Minnesota, Bermuda, Texas, Colorado, Nantucket and California visiting family and friends.
She leaves six loving children, nineteen cherished grandchildren and their spouses/partners and five great-grandchildren: daughters Nancy Bristol (Andrew, Hilary, Alex), Charlyn Puza, late husband Louis (Henry, Anna, Ernie), sons Dan Curran and his wife Kabrena (Dylan), Ben Curran and his wife Erin ( Bekka, Addie, Max, Livia, Miles), daughters Cathy McKenzie and her husband Carl (Curran, Casey, Camille, Caroline), and Peggy Charvat and her husband Craig (Allison, Daniel, Abigail) as well as a special niece Marianne whom she considered a sister. She was the lone remaining “Griggs Girl” as her sisters, Mary, Anna, Sophie, Helen, and Jeannette had passed before her. Her love extended to her many nieces, nephews, in-laws, neighbors and friends.
She was the epitome of a faithful servant. It will be difficult to go forward without her in our lives, but impossible to forget the many lessons that she taught us along the way. Above all, to love one another. Calling hours will be Sunday, November 28, 2021 from 1 pm to 4 pm at Firtion-Adams in Westfield with a Funeral Mass celebrated on Monday, November 29, 2021 in Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church at 10 am in Westfield. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Frances’ name to her favorite charity “The Covenant House” at Times Square Station, P.O. Box 731, New York, NY 10108-0900
