Ann Miller Curran

Ann Miller Curran, 82, of Missoula, passed away Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013, following a battle with Lewy Body Dementia, at St. Patrick�,Hospital.

She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., with here fraternal twin Judith, on April 22, 1931, to Betti Schellenberg Miller and Walter A. Miller. A younger sister, Elizabeth was born in 1933. At age 10 her family moved to Long Island where she graduated from Bay Shore High School.

Ann attended Stephens College in Columbia, Mo., and Adelphi College in Garden City, N.Y., and received her B.S. in Education.

After a move to Pleasantville, N.Y., �,with her first husband, Paul Loewenwarter, and their children David and Andrea,�,Ann began what became a lifetime commitment to community service. Heavily involved in the PTA, she also participated in important local efforts such as anti-drug campaigns for youth. Ann's most challenging and rewarding volunteer work began in the late 1970s as a member of the Harlem Valley Psychiatric Center Board of Visitors. She was responsible for reviewing the treatment of and conditions for residents at the facility.

With her children grown, and as a newly single woman, Ann tested herself both physically and mentally with a group-led hiking trek into the Teton Mountains. Who knew that hiking was soon to become a life-long passion when she met her partner and second husband, Edmund Curran. Ed and Ann shared their lives with outdoor activities and traveling adventures. They eventually married in 1986 and Ed's daughters Andrea and Tracey, although adults, were adopted by Ann in 1995.

By 1993, already having explored the country for a new home in their trailer, Ann and Ed were enraptured by the Bitterroot Valley in Montana, just south of Missoula where Ann's son David lived. This beautiful area beckoned to them and they built their home, known as Curran Base Camp, in Corvallis, from which they viewed exquisite Western sunsets together. Ann and Ed continued exploring the Western states, particularly enjoying Bryce, Zion and Glacier parks.

At home Ann became a volunteer at the Bitterroot Library in Hamilton where she could share her passion for books. Until near her death she continued participating in book clubs where her wit and insight made her a valuable member. Ed shared her volunteer work at the library. Together they were members of the Cross Country Ski Club and helped build a winter shelter. They also worked on clearing parts of the Continental Divide trail. After Ed's death in 2007, Ann eventually moved to Hamilton, and then to Missoula.

Ann leaves behind her sisters, Judith Childs and Elizabeth Dodge; children, David Loewenwarter (Maureen), Andrea Loewenwarter (Jim Gillespie), Andrea Curran and Tracey Curran (Brian Herman); grandchildren, Krista Loewenwarter, Carlin and Jacqueline Gillespie, Elizabeth Geib-Morrill (Darin Morill) and Lindsey Herman (John Nolan); nieces Jocelyn and Meredith Dodge and nephew Brian Dodge; many special cousins and devoted friends.

Ann was cremated and her ashes were spread over Gash Peak in the Bitterroot Mountains, joining Ed there for more climbing adventures. A gathering of friends and family will occur at a later date.

The family requests that memorial contributions for the purpose of Lewy Body Dementia research at Mayo Clinic Florida be sent to: Mayo Clinic, Dept. of Development, 4500 San Pablo Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32224. Please note that the gift is in memory of Ann M. Curran and checks can be made out to Mayo Clinic. Her family thanks you.

Read Ann Curran's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.