Helen Burr Curtice
May 6, 1951 ~ May 28, 2022
Helen Burr Curtice, 71, died of heart failure peacefully in her sleep at home during an afternoon nap on May 28, 2022. She was a loyal daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and friend whose gentle, loving spirit will be profoundly missed.
Born on May 6, 1951 in Washington, DC, Curtice was the youngest child of Allen and Helen Gullion. She had three step-siblings: Stephanie, Cindy, and John Mulliken, III. Her older brother Wyant passed from this life in 2011. When Curtice was 11, a college student came to live with her family. Susan Alexander became her lifelong best friend and sister.
Curtice graduated from National Cathedral School in 1969 and earned a B.A. in Psychology with Special Honors from George Washington University in 1973. Her commitment to helping others called her to obtain an M.A. and Ed.S. in Counseling from the University of Florida and an M.S. in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola College. She worked as counselor in many different settings; her favorite among them was at Blue Ridge Hospice where she learned the wisdom found in death and dying. She was a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church and maintained a close relationship to God, loving Him deeply. Curtice was a devoted member and consistent participant of the 12-step program. Although she was born and raised in Washington, DC, Curtice called many places home throughout her lifetime; she lived in Iowa, Florida, West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland. Her favorite home was “Heartsease,” a cottage that she built in Clarke County, Virginia on bank of the Shenandoah River.
Curtice loved her daughters and grandchildren wholeheartedly. She had two daughters, Catherine Shea Riihimaki and Jordan Shea Silva, and six grandchildren, Dylan, Grace, Lauren, and Quinn Riihimaki, and Harrison and Bennett Silva. Affectionately known by them as “Mimi,” Curtice was proud of each one of them for their individuality, and was delighted by the love of her sons-in-law, Stephen Riihimaki and Kevin Silva.
Whether by caring for and growing plants, marveling at wildlife, decorating her living spaces, or in the art that she made, Curtice appreciated and created beauty in the world. She was a brave artist who wrote poetry, painted with oils and watercolors, knitted scarves and needlepointed pillows. Helen loved all animals, especially polar bears, and was never without the companionship of at least one pet. During the course of her life, Curtice was “mom” to dogs, cats, a Connemara pony, parakeets, guinea pigs, mice, goldfish, and hermit crabs. Two remarkable animal experiences brought her great joy in her lifetime—a close encounter with humpback whales in Magdalena Bay, Baja, and a trip to observe polar bears in their natural habitat in Manitoba, Canada with National Geographic.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life service for Curtice at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Ashburn, VA at 11 am on June 16. She would love bright colors to be worn to celebrate and remember her life. For those unable to join in person, the service will be livstreamed via the link below. Due to COVID, and a concern for the health of everyone, only light refreshments will be served after the service. Curtice’s ashes will be spread in a private ceremony immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Polar Bears International in her memory.
To View Service Please Click Here
Born on May 6, 1951 in Washington, DC, Curtice was the youngest child of Allen and Helen Gullion. She had three step-siblings: Stephanie, Cindy, and John Mulliken, III. Her older brother Wyant passed from this life in 2011. When Curtice was 11, a college student came to live with her family. Susan Alexander became her lifelong best friend and sister.
Curtice graduated from National Cathedral School in 1969 and earned a B.A. in Psychology with Special Honors from George Washington University in 1973. Her commitment to helping others called her to obtain an M.A. and Ed.S. in Counseling from the University of Florida and an M.S. in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola College. She worked as counselor in many different settings; her favorite among them was at Blue Ridge Hospice where she learned the wisdom found in death and dying. She was a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church and maintained a close relationship to God, loving Him deeply. Curtice was a devoted member and consistent participant of the 12-step program. Although she was born and raised in Washington, DC, Curtice called many places home throughout her lifetime; she lived in Iowa, Florida, West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland. Her favorite home was “Heartsease,” a cottage that she built in Clarke County, Virginia on bank of the Shenandoah River.
Curtice loved her daughters and grandchildren wholeheartedly. She had two daughters, Catherine Shea Riihimaki and Jordan Shea Silva, and six grandchildren, Dylan, Grace, Lauren, and Quinn Riihimaki, and Harrison and Bennett Silva. Affectionately known by them as “Mimi,” Curtice was proud of each one of them for their individuality, and was delighted by the love of her sons-in-law, Stephen Riihimaki and Kevin Silva.
Whether by caring for and growing plants, marveling at wildlife, decorating her living spaces, or in the art that she made, Curtice appreciated and created beauty in the world. She was a brave artist who wrote poetry, painted with oils and watercolors, knitted scarves and needlepointed pillows. Helen loved all animals, especially polar bears, and was never without the companionship of at least one pet. During the course of her life, Curtice was “mom” to dogs, cats, a Connemara pony, parakeets, guinea pigs, mice, goldfish, and hermit crabs. Two remarkable animal experiences brought her great joy in her lifetime—a close encounter with humpback whales in Magdalena Bay, Baja, and a trip to observe polar bears in their natural habitat in Manitoba, Canada with National Geographic.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life service for Curtice at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Ashburn, VA at 11 am on June 16. She would love bright colors to be worn to celebrate and remember her life. For those unable to join in person, the service will be livstreamed via the link below. Due to COVID, and a concern for the health of everyone, only light refreshments will be served after the service. Curtice’s ashes will be spread in a private ceremony immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Polar Bears International in her memory.
To View Service Please Click Here
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Kate and Jordan- I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You girls were such a bright light in your mom’s life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. Chris Scully
When I think about Mimi, I think about her presence; calm, peaceful, sensitive, compassionate, loving. I felt that she was curious and non judgmental, and made me feel at ease and accepted. It’s a special type of person that can make someone feel that way.
Curtice and I met about two years ago during a trip to the history museum in DC and discovered then how much we enjoyed each other’s company. We shared news about our families, ate together on a number of occasions and spent other times together when we could. I encouraged her to join my Bocce team which she did and found it a lot of fun. I will always remember Curtice as a very dear friend whom I will sorely miss. Marie Lawall
…I can’t help but smile as I recall all the hours of discussing, arguing…analyzing the dynamics of relationships and conflict with Curtice!! We loved our work as therapists and supported one another with our work and as friends. Her heart was so drawn to her art and creativity and the beauty she so easily created….I’ve missed her and will miss knowing she’s here making the world more beautiful place….
Curtice and I :Both had issues with losing our Keys to the our Apartments. We were in each other’s Apartments every day.. I just received my Extra Set Of Keys Yesterday to give to Curtice. I Miss Her & Love Her So Very Much. She made me feel Like I Wasn’t a Prisoner at Ashby Ponds. She Will Always Be in My Heart. My Children Loved Her as Well as My Childhood Best Friend. I’m So Grateful Curtice Was So Part of My World. What a Kind and Gentle Soul. Blessing and Love To Her Family and Friends. Randi Rappaport Her Across The Hall Neighbor ??
Curtice and I Became Dear,Loving Friends When She Moved Into Ashby Ponds. We Shared Old Traumas From Our Childhood. We Would Talk & Talk Forever. Curtice Brought Such An Honest ,Raw Energy Into Our Relationship. I Think I Made Her Feel Safe Enough to “Just Be Her”! My Heart Aches as I Miss Her So Much. Sending Love and Healing Prayers To Her Family and Friends. I Just Want All To Know :We Had a Special Friendship . I Don’t Make Friends Easily. But We Had So Much In Common. I’d Bring Her Chicken Soup & Italian Meat Sauce. She Would Send Me Back Personal Notes..One Saying: I I Don’t Eat Meat Randi But This Was The Best Meat Sauce Ever! I Am a Widow. May 28th would Have Been My Husband’s 34th Anniversary. Curtice was at my Apartment and We Were Planning To On Having Dinner The Following Evening.
Curtice is So Into my Heart and Memories : I Feel So Blessed and So Appreciative As Curtice Loved Me. She Is In Peace. You Made Me a Better Woman Curtice:. I’m a Bit More Kinder, A Bit More Forgiving Now .
You Made Me Smile and Still Do.
Be At Peace Special Friend ?
Peace to you and your family Curtice. I enjoyed our time together at Blue Ridge Hospice and remember your humor and how much you loved your daughters. Rhonda Headley
I wanted to send my condolences. Curtice and I met when we were teenagers and shared time together during our dating years. We reconnected later in life and were in touch on her birthday. I am relieved that her passing was peaceful and will miss this lovely person.