Diane Lee Curless

Diane Lee Curless, 72, died unexpectedly in her home on Monday, January 24, 2011 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Diane was born May 27, 1938 in the small farming town of Faucett, Missouri. She attended the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, South Dakota, where she met Richard G. Curless, who was studying medicine. They were married in Vermillion on June 11, 1960. The couple moved to Denver, Colorado, where Richard completed his medical degree, then to Providence, Rhode Island, and Albany, New York, where Richard was an intern and pediatric resident, respectively. Richard was then drafted into the U.S. Army, and the couple lived three years in West Germany. Upon their return, they lived in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Tucson, Arizona, before settling in Miami Beach, Florida, where they lived for 30 years. After retiring, they moved to one of their favorite places on earth: Santa Fe, New Mexico. Diane earned her Masters in Social Work at the University of Utah and worked for Catholic Social Services in Tucson. In Miami Beach, she became a very successful Realtor, eventually becoming owner of Betty Lesser Realty. In retirement, she rediscovered a passion for bridge and became very active in the Leonard A. Helman Santa Fe Bridge Club. Diane is survived by her husband, Richard, and by their four children: Christian G. Curless of Watertown, Connecticut; Ann K. Weiss of Plainview, New York; Brian L. Curless of Seattle, Washington; and Laura K. Fischer of Verona, New Jersey. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren: Sarah, Jeffrey, Alek, Roberto, Matthew, Luca, Jeremy, Anna, and Emily. A graveside service was held on January 28, 2011 at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Diane's name to the University of South Dakota, USD Foundation, PO Box 5555, Vermillion, SD 57069, or online at www.usd.edu/foundation.