It is with broken hearts that our family has to announce that Margaret J. Curran, lovingly known as “Peg” to all who knew her, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Sept. 2, 2024, at Hartford Hospital after a year’s long battle with cancer. Born Jan. 30, 1948, in Hartford, to her late parents, Robert L. Curran Sr. and Lois E. Curran and her loving late partner Liliana Poletto.

Peg started school in East Hartford and completed her education in South Windsor. She graduated from South Windsor High School, Class of 1966. She continued her education at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, where she earned her B.S. degree in physical education and continued her education and earned her master’s degree. Peg played basketball and softball in high school, adding field hockey to her team talents at SCSU under her coach, Dora Metrelis, with whom she had continued to stay in touch over the years. Dora’s nickname for Peg was “Charlie Brown. “

Peg began her teaching career at The Morgan School in Clinton, teaching physical education for 22 years, and is remembered as a great coach of basketball, field hockey, softball, and cheerleading. Following Peg’s 22 years at Morgan, Peg continued her teaching career at Jared Eliot Middle School for 13 more years. Peg was beloved by generations of students, parents and fellow teachers, being referred to as “Coach” and respectfully as “Miss Curran” during and long after her teaching retirement in 2004. Up until this day, Peg could not go anywhere without being recognized and acknowledged with smiles, laughs, and hugs because of her long-standing career in the school systems.

Peg enjoyed life with her loving late partner, Liliana Poletto, of 34 years, summering on Flanders Pond in Maine, taking numerous memorable trips throughout the U.S. and abroad, and walking the beaches at low tide near her home. Peg so enjoyed her time at The Kate in Old Saybrook with her dear friends and was honored as a “Kate Enthusiast” because of the amount of shows she attended every year. In 2023, she was recognized as the highest-attending member and was hoping to break that record in 2024. Peg was also a dedicated fan of the UConn Women’s Basketball program, the Mohegan Sun team, the WNBA, and both the Olympics and Special Olympics. Peg’s daily life was always very full and complete with lunches and dinners with friends and family, Rachel Baer’s Senior Classes, her very comforting Grief Support Group, happy hours, her passion for Peanuts, especially Snoopy, and her most cherished holidays with her sister Lynne and family. It doesn’t go without saying that Peg was the kindest, most considerate, thoughtful, and courageous sister, partner, friend, and teacher anyone could ever imagine.

This courageous battle could not have been fought without the compassionate care of the oncology and radiology team of doctors and nurses at Middlesex Hospital in Westbrook, especially Dr. Hong, Heidi, and Esther; and Middlesex Heath Home Care.;An additional thank you goes to the wonderful ICU team at Hartford Hospital who all provided Peg with such exceptional care. And lastly, and of such gratitude, the endless list of Peg’s friends, which are way too many to thank for their many years of friendship and, most recently, their thoughtfulness and support during this last year.

She leaves to mourn her loss, her brother Robert L. Curran Jr. (Melinda); her sister M. Lynne Lappen (Scott); her nieces, Jennifer Marley, of Maine and Darcy Bourgeois (Bob), of New York; nephews, Bob Marley (Tracy), of Maine, Michael (April), Daniel (MegAnne), Robert (Ashlyn) Curran, Matthew (Lauren), Shaun( Christie), and Justin (Danielle) Lappen; six great-nieces; and two great-nephews; along with numerous special cousins. Peg also leaves behind her velcro support kitty, Queenie, who she loved beyond words and who brought her such happiness and strength during her courageous battle. Peg’s endless list of friends is too many to thank for their many years of friendships and, most recently, their thoughtfulness and support during this past year. Peg was predeceased by her sister, Marcia Marley (Robert) of Maine.

Calling hours for Margaret were held on Sept. 10 at Swan Funeral Home, 80 E. Main Street, followed by a memorial service. Burial will be at the convenience of the family at the family’s plot in Wapping Cemetery, South Windsor. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Margaret’s memory may be made to The Kate, Old Saybrook, 300 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT 06475, www.thekate.org/support/donations-memorial-gifts or The Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter at 749 East Main Street, Branford, CT, www.branford-ct.gov/departments/animal-shelter/donation — two organizations that brought so much happiness to Peg over the years.