Yvonne B. Curran, 89, of Hurley
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Yvonne B. Curran (nee Pritchard) of Hurley on April 6, 2018, at 89 years old at Northern Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck.
Yvonne spent her life as one of the most successful Realtors in Ulster County. She began that journey when she was first licensed in May 1964. One of her first brokers was Irene Feltham and they worked together in Woodstock, N.Y. Yvonne soon started Yvonne B. Curran Real Estate in Kingston, N.Y., with her slogan, “From Cottages to Castles.”
Once established she became a friend and mentor to many other Realtors in the Ulster County area. Yvonne was very instrumental in helping to establish and then run the Ulster County Board of Realtors. She joined in 1975 while with Irene Feltham. Then, as she became a broker herself, she served in many different capacities with the board: president of the UCBR from 1986 to 1987; president of the Multiple Listing Service of Ulster County in 1990 and 1993; she was honored as Realtor of the Year in 1987; served as the chair for the Brokers Breakfast and Membership committees; and in 2007, she was honored by the National Association of Realtors to their Emeritus status. In that era, when women were first becoming the boss, Yvonne made her company stand out.
Yvonne was born on March 9, 1929, in Ealing, West London, England, to parents, now deceased, Beatrice and Ernest Pritchard. She was also predeceased by her brother, Cyril, and sister, Jean. Yvonne met and married her now-deceased husband of 61 years, John “Red” Curran, in 1953, and moved with him to America. After living in Massachusetts for several years, they moved to the Kingston area, where they began their family. Yvonne is survived by her son, Michael Curran and his companion, Sandy Coons; also grandson, Shawn Curran and his wife, Danielle and their son -- who was the light of her life, her greatgrandson, Kaiden Curran -- all of Kingston.
Most importantly, Yvonne will be remembered by the legions of Realtors and very close friends who worked with her, worked for her, partied with her and loved her for her dedication to the business, her honesty and her loyalties. Everybody who knew her -- the tall, blond English Realtor -- and respected her and trusted her, thought of her as our very own Queen.
Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of Joseph V. Leahy Funeral Home at 27 Smith Ave., in Kingston, N.Y. (www.jvleahyfh.com)
Friends will be received at the funeral home on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, from 4 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in the form of contributions to the ASPCA, 20 Weidy Road, Kingston, N.Y. 12401. LONG LIVE OUR QUEEN!