Frances Marion Curry
Frances Marion Petruzzi Curry was born on June 3, 1924, in Everett, Massachusetts. She died on May 6, 2021, in Breckenridge. She was preceded in death by her parents, Anthony and Josephine Petruzzi; her husband, Clifton Sidney “Snooks” Curry; one brother, Anthony Petruzzi Jr.; and two sisters, Linda Rossi and Car’mella Vetrano. She is survived by her three children, Cindy Curry Leonard, Bruce Curry and wife Phyllis, and Sid Curry and wife Cathy, all of Breckenridge. She is also survived by five grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.
Frances had many facets to her life. She started working as a supply clerk in the Boston Shipyards when she was 19 years old. When she found out that a woman could make as much money as a man by getting a welding license, she promptly did so and began welding on ships and naval vessels. It was during this wartime era that she met her future husband, who was a Merchant Marine. She then joined the Navy and was stationed in Pensacola, Florida, where she serviced and started airplanes for Navy pilot trainees. On December 1, 1944, she married Clifton Sidney “Snooks” Curry, then moved to Texas in October 1945 to begin her life in a totally new environment and culture. She adapted well to being a Southerner but never totally gave up her Northern heritage, most noticeably her Bostonian accent… as in “Pahk tha Cah.”
Frances was widowed at the age of 51 and became the owner and operator of Breckenridge Ready Mix. She became not only the “boss” but also a respected business leader in the community. She was never intimidated by being in a “man’s world” and proved to herself and others that women business owners could be innovative and successful. She continued in this role until her retirement at the age of 65.
During her retirement years, Frances lived a full and busy life. She always had some type of project going, which usually involved home improvement, self-improvement, or helping and volunteering for others. She will be missed by her family and friends and by those who knew her as “The Little Engine That Could.”
A memorial service celebrating her life will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, at the First Christian Church, with Sonny McCauley officiating. A reception for friends and family will immediately follow the service. Her interment at the Breckenridge Cemetery will be a private family event.
Memorial donations in Frances’ name can be made to the First Christian Church of Breckenridge and can be left at the Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home office. Condolences can be made online at meltonkitchens.com.
