“A woman of many talents,” Mary Dellapolla Curles “found happiness in the simple pleasures — tending her garden, sewing with care, baking treats that brought smiles to every table, and sharing stories of Amagansett’s rich history. Her home was a haven of warmth, where family gathered and friendships flourished,” her family said.
Mrs. Curles, described as a “pillar of the Amagansett community,” died at home on Nov. 10. She was 20 days shy of her 102nd birthday.
Her “greatest joy was her family.” She is survived by a daughter, Gail Mitchell of Sag Harbor, and a son, Dennis Curles of Lazy Point, and his wife, Janice Badkin, and by her grandchildren: Dan Mitchell and his wife, Shawn Beyer-Mitchell, Kari Mitchell, Jeffrey Curles, and Jeremy Curles. She also leaves four great-grandchildren, Brandan, Evan, Cameron, and Adalyn Mitchell. She was predeceased by her husband, Purnell Curles, “with whom she shared a lifetime of love and laughter,” her family said.
Born on Nov. 30, 1923, to Amato and Ethel Dellapolla, she “grew up deeply rooted in the traditions and beauty of Amagansett.” She and Mr. Curles were married on March 21, 1947.
Mrs. Curles was always ready with “a warm smile, a helping hand, and a heart full of kindness.”
A funeral service was held on Saturday at the Amagansett Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Robert Stuart officiated in a service that concluded with a rendition of “Ave Maria” sung by Faith Mullaly. Mrs. Curles was buried at Cedar Lawn Cemetery in East Hampton.
Her family has suggested memorial contributions to the Amagansett Fire Department or its ambulance fund, at P.O. Box 911, Amagansett 11930, or East End Hospice, P.O. Box 1048, Westhampton Beach 11978, online at eeh.org.
