Helen Marie Byron Curran

HELEN MARIE BYRON CURRAN, age 94, of Hopkins, formerly of Waseca, died peacefully from complications of pneumonia on May 18, 2023, surrounded by her children.

Helen was born on September 21, 1928, to William and Mary Elmira (Conway) Byron in Waseca County. Helen graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1946 and from The College of St. Teresa in 1950. She subsequently obtained her Master’s Degree in Spanish from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Helen married Raymond Curran on July 5, 1952, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Mary’s Township, Waseca County. She was a beloved educator, teaching Spanish and English at Lewiston, Morristown, and Waseca. In addition, she taught driver’s education in the classroom, but had the good sense not to teach behind the wheel. Her retirement years were filled with family parties, volunteer opportunities, and doting on her grandchildren. Covid did not dull her educational instincts, as she hosted a weekly Sunday night Zoom review of various Shakespeare plays with her children and grandchildren. Helen enjoyed playing cards competitively and took special delight in crushing the rascals, aka her grandchildren. For the past five years, Helen resided at The Glenn in Hopkins, where she took part in nearly all activities, attended daily Mass, and played Bridge with good friends.

Helen’s legacy will live on in her four children, Colleen, Peggy, John (Kathy) and Mary Ann (Tom Murray); seven grandchildren, John, Mary Angela, Danielle, Erin, Joe, Johnny, and Christina; brothers Jim and Paul; and sister-in-law Mayone. She was preceded in death by her husband who died in a construction accident in 1967; her parents; her siblings William, George, Mildred, and Sister Colleen Byron OSF; her sisters-in-law, Mary Ann, Mary Jane, and Rita; and son-in-law, Jerry Amundson.

Visitation will be held at the State Street Chapel of Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service in Waseca on Friday May 26, from 4-7 pm, and will continue the next morning for one hour before service at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca on Saturday, May 27, at 10:30 am, with Father James Starasinich as celebrant.

Memorials are suggested to the Sacred Heart Education Endowment Fund or the Sisters of St. Francis in Rochester.