Pauline Dahlquist Curtis died July 31, 2016.
She was born in Worcester, Mass., the daughter of the late Ragnar A. and Florence A. Swenson Dahlquist. After graduating from North High School in Worcester, she entered the WWII Cadet Nursing program and trained at Newton Hospital in Newton, Mass. She received her registered professional nurse certificate and later worked at hospitals in Port Chester, N.Y., Raleigh, N.C., and Prince George’s County, Md.
She married John M. Curtis of Franklinville, N.C., in 1948, and continued to work as a nurse during John’s graduate study period. When the first of their three sons was born, she terminated her nursing career and devoted full time to her family. During this period, she designed many original knitting patterns. Over many years she created scores of beautiful original sweaters, coats, scarves, handbags and other items as presents for family members and friends.
In 1985, she and her husband retired to Olde Point in Hampstead, N.C. She enjoyed working with her flowers, golf and travel, and visited many areas of the world.
She was a loyal member of the Topsail Presbyterian Church in Hampstead.
She was an optimist who enjoyed life and lived it fully. Her first priority always was her family. Even so, when others needed her help she always responded. Her many friends are located nearby, across our nation and in many foreign countries.
She was a very special person. She will be missed by all who knew her. Her family has lost a guiding force which cannot be replaced and never will be forgotten.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John M. Curtis Sr.; her parents; her stepmother, Greta V. Dahlquist of Worcester, Mass.; her sister, Ruth D. Larson (Knute) of Falmouth, Mass.; her nephew, Kris Larson of Falmouth, Mass.; and many other relatives in Massachusetts, North Carolina and other states.
She is survived by her sons, John M. Curtis Jr. (Carol) and Jefferson R. Curtis and Gary C. Curtis; her grandsons, John M. Curtis III and Charles W. Curtis; her granddaughter, Jacqueline F. Curtis and Caitlin Curtis; her great-grandsons, John T. Curtis and Sean K. Curtis; nieces, Karen Larson and Tina Larson; and many other nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, 2016, at Topsail Presbyterian Church in Hampstead, 16249 Highway 17, Hampstead, N.C.
It was her preference that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the cemetery organization at Topsail Presbyterian Church, 16249 Highway 17, Hampstead, NC 28443.
