Patricia Curran of Yorktown Heights Dies at 75

YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, NY – Patricia Curran died at home Wednesday, Dec 7, comforted by caring friends, following several years of painful illnesses. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of more than 40 years, John Curran, also of Yorktown Heights, where they had resided for over three decades.

Patty was born Patricia Valerie Finnegan in Jamaica Hospital, Long Island, Jan. 28, 1941, first-born daughter of the late Valerie and Patrick Finnegan.

A member of the first graduating class of River Dell Regional High School, Oradell, New Jersey in 1959, she went on to study fashion design and commercial art at the famed Traphagen School of Design in New York City. Upon graduation, she joined the Art Department at J. C. Penney's NYC corporate offices where she remained for more than twenty years, until the firm's 1988 Dallas move.

She continued her professional career in the New York area for several more years then, after retiring, devoted her time as a volunteer Artist/Designer at the Maryknoll Motherhouse, working on the Sisters' internationally known Maryknoll Magazine as well at the Maryknoll Fathers' Orbis Books publication house and a variety of other print designs.

Her artistic talents expressed themselves in may other ways, as well: painting, various forms of needlework, organ music and photography.

It must, however, be said that her greatest love was for animals and birds of all varieties. Along with a long line of cherished dogs and cats, Patty was equally devoted to “her” wild birds, squirrels and one particularly cheeky little chipmunk ... all of whom lost no time reminding her when it was time to supply more birdseed and peanuts.

She is survived by her sister, Alice Kehoe, nephew Derry Kehoe and his wife, Deborah Kehoe; Elana Kehoe, widow of her late nephew Brendan Kehoe, and their sons Patrick and Eoin Kehoe, as well as many very dearly loved cousins and friends.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Clark's Funeral Home, 2104 Sawmill River Rd., Yorktown Heights:

• Funeral Home visitation Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated: Thursday, 10 a.m., St. Patrick's Church, Yorktown Heights
• Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Patty's name to: Guiding Eyes for the Blind - Guide Dog School; 611 Granite Springs Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598, 800-942-0149.

Obituary courtesy Clark's Funeral Home. Image via Shutterstock.