Janet Roys Curry

Janet Roys Curry, a wonderful caring woman who touched many people, died on May 13, 2024. Her sense of humor and her understanding of people’s feelings and emotions helped make her a natural counselor and confidant to many.   

Janet was born in Staten Island NY on May 4, 1945 to George Roys and Marie Kessig. Her parents died during her teen years, so she and her brother lived with Rose and Ed Kessig, and her cousins. 

She attended Notre Dame Academy in Staten Island where she developed a lifelong affection for the Congregation of Notre Dame (CND). She also learned to appreciate English literature and language proficiency that she carried with her in life.

Janet met her future husband of 57 years, Jim Curry, during her senior year. She later left college to be married and travel to Tripoli, Libya where Jim was stationed with the USAF. Their time together was interrupted by the 6 Day War, when she was evacuated to Madrid, Spain. Her sense of humor and adventurousness lightened the tension of being flown on an unheated cargo plane with canvas seats. She also made the best of her unplanned time in Madrid speaking Spanish pretty well.

Janet, Jim and family moved to Ridgefield in 1976. She later finished her studies at Western Connecticut State University, graduating Cum Laude. She became very involved in the religious education program at St. Mary’s Parish. After several years of teaching and helping administer the program, she proposed, designed and then ran a unique Family Program which was composed of about 40 families who taught their own children. She also developed a similar program for high school age students which became quite popular. She later became Director of Religious Education at St. Gabriel’s Parish in Stamford. 

Janet became a CND Associate, a program for lay people to foster its mission. She helped with the early formation of the program at the congregation’s Motherhouse in Montreal for many months. At the time she was also volunteering/working at the senior residence facility for the nuns in Ridgefield.   

Her other “work outside the home” as she liked to refer to it included being a paraprofessional in the Ridgefield Elementary Schools for 10 years, and later she was a receptionist at Parks and Recreation. She made many friends in both places among the teachers, parents, and patrons. People remember her “roses are red” poems, self-described “hilarious” commentary, and also fitting tributes she delivered as a speaker or eulogist.

Janet had a vision for traditions to help keep the family together over the years. Part of that vision was annual trips to St. John in the USVI for the past 30 years. She loved being in that beautiful paradise, surrounded by children and grandchildren.

Janet was predeceased by her parents, and her brother John Roys. She is survived by her husband Jim; children Joanmarie Tanguay and husband Roger of North Haven; Daniel Curry of Manhattan; Susan Morin and husband Patrick of Stow MA; Stephen Curry and wife Deirdre of Brooklyn; and her aunt Rose Kessig of Staten Island. Also, her grandchildren Emma Tanguay Blais and husband Cameron; Hannah Tanguay; Ryan Tanguay; Caroline Morin; Matt Morin; Tim Morin; and Shea Curry; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will be received on Friday, May 17, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Saint Mary's Church; 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. Interment will take place privately.

Contributions in Janet's memory may be made to the Congregation of Notre Dame: 3135 Easton Turnpike; Fairfield, CT 06825, or online at http://www1.cnd-m.org/en/usa/

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