Shrewsbury/Hudson – Laurinda (Rodrigues) Curtis, 88, of Shrewsbury and former longtime resident of Hudson, died peacefully Thursday, Sept. 26, 2013.
Born and raised in New Bedford, ?Laurinda was the daughter of the late Francisco Rodrigues and Filomena (Faria) Rodrigues, both first generation Americans emigrating from Madeira, Portugal. Shortly after graduating from New Bedford High School, Laurinda met her beloved future husband of 66 years, Dr. Richard N. Curtis.
Settling with Richard in Hudson, where he established a successful optometry practice, Laurinda spent many years caring for her four children and serving her community as an active volunteer. She was a 50-year member of the Hudson Woman's Club (President, 1970-72) and a longtime member of the Hudson Garden Club (President, 1986-1988). Other organizations to which Laurinda devoted her time included the Catholic Daughters of America, Christ King Sodality, the 11th District Presidents Club G.F.W.C, the Marlborough Hospital Auxiliary, the American Cancer Society Assabet Valley Division, and the Hudson Historical Society.
Laurinda had a wide range of talents and interests, from singing, to playing bocce, baking perfect apple pies, playing cards, and making new friends everywhere she went. Most recently, she won the hearts of her fellow residents at Southgate in Shrewsbury, where she enjoyed performing regularly with the choir, taking part in the annual Olympics, and dining nightly with Richard and their neighbors.
Laurinda's warmth, thoughtfulness, and undeniable charm will be sorely missed by all her family and friends.
Predeceased by her parents, brother Frank Rodrigues, step-mother Aurora Rodrigues, and eldest daughter Debbie Sparrow. She is survived by husband Richard of Shrewsbury; daughter Nancy Marraffino and husband Michael Marraffino of Medway; daughter Jennifer Curtis of Wyoming; son Andrew Curtis of Portland, Oregon; son-in-law Rodney Sparrow of Bolton; niece Gail Bean of Westwood; nephew Paul Gorachy of Quincy; four grand-daughters Tobey Marchal, Stacey Brooks, Kelsey and Emily Curtis; and three great-grandsons.
A funeral Mass was celebrated Sept. 30 in Saint Michael's Church of Hudson, with burial in Forestvale Cemetery, Hudson. The Tighe-Hamilton Funeral Home of Hudson assisted with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to UMass Memorial Palliative Care Fund. Please note that your gift is in memory of Laurinda Curtis. Gifts may be made by check payable to: UMMF-Palliative Care Fund, UMass Medicine Development Office, 333 South St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545.
