Deborah Ann Reed Curnarski
Deborah Ann Reed Curnarski, 62, of Strabane, passed away Thursday, December 23, 2021, at 4 p.m., in the intensive care unit of Canonsburg General Hospital after battling Covid pneumonia since November 29.
Debbie was born October 22, 1959, in Brunswick, Ga., a daughter of the late Roger M. Reed and Barbara F. Collins Reed of Lakeland, Fla., who survives. She was educated in the Washington and Trinity school districts, graduating from Trinity High School in 1978. It was then that she began working at the former Herd’s Drug Store on Main Street in the city of Washington. It was there that she met her future husband, Joseph J. Curnarski Jr., who was employed as a police officer for the city. In 1981, she was hired as a clerk at the United Parcel Service Washington Center from where she retired after 31 years of service in 2012.
After retirement, Debbie developed an interest in photography. This culminated in her employing her photographic skills to take family and group pictures. She took amateur photography to a professional level. She especially enjoyed taking pictures of children and brilliant sunsets and had a great “eye” for common ordinary images that when photographed, brought out vivid colors and hues, displaying the very best aspects of her subject matter be they a person, a pet, or simply an object. She also had a very soft spot in her heart for animals, especially her current cats, Hobo and Angelo, both of whom were adopted from the streets of the village of Strabane, where she resided. Debbie had a very outgoing personality that was readily apparent to anyone with whom she came into contact.
On September 12, 1987, she was united in marriage with her husband, Joe at Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Catholic Church of St. Oscar Romero Parish in Medowlands. They recently celebrated 34 years of marriage. Debbie was a member of the Central Assembly of God Church in Houston.
Surviving, in addition to her husband, Joe, are her mother, Barbara; sisters, Connie (David) Rice of Bentleyville, Tracy (Randy) Duncan of Lakeland, Fla.; and brother, Merle (Audria) Reed of Washington. Also surviving are niece, Serena (Donovan) Ealy; and nephews, Jesse (Samantha) Rice, Richard (Debbie) Balach and Cameron (Janice) Reed.
Deceased is a nephew, Cody Reed.
Debbie need not be idealized in death nor enlarged beyond what she was in life. She should only be remembered as a kind and decent person who was never too busy to help another person or offer a kind word.
Debbie’s family wishes to sincerely thank the doctors, nurses, nurse manager, physician assistants, and staff of Canonsburg General Hospital, especially the Intensive Care Unit, for their compassionate, dignified and professional care. We also want to thank all who offered so many prayers for Deb’s recovery, subsequent reposal of her soul as well as their emotional support.
Friends and family are welcome from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, December 28, and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, December 29, in Salandra Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., Joseph P. Salandra LFD, owner/supervisor, Erin E. Jones LFD, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, 724-745-8120, where services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, December 30.
Entombment will follow in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Peters Township.
In lieu of flowers, it is requested that memorial contributions be made to Angel Ridge Animal Rescue, 390 Old Hickory Ridge Road, Washington, PA 15301, the Washington Humane Society, 1527 PA-136, Eighty-Four, PA 15330, or a charity of one’s choice.
To view or extend condolences, please visit www.salandrafunerals.com.