Ann Stone Curlee Fifield passed away December 30, 2016 from cancer, at her home in Helena, MT. surrounded by loved ones.
Ann was born in Stokes County, North Carolina on January 6, 1942 to Preston Herschel Stone and Marie Hutchens Stone. At the age of five, Ann and her sisters went to live in an orphanage in Winston-Salem, NC.
Ann married Wilson Curlee in 1964 and had two remarkable children, Vaughn and Barbara. In 1996 Ann married her soul mate Mark Fifield.
Ann began her teaching career after graduating from Pfeiffer College, NC in 1964. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in teaching and later earned her Master’s Degree in Education. She taught in North Carolina, Virginia, and on the Cheyenne Sioux Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Upon moving to Helena, Ann taught at C R Anderson Middle School and Helena Middle School, retiring in 2005. Always the teacher, Ann continued to substitute teach throughout the Helena School District in her retirement. She taught, but more importantly impacted the lives of thousands of students.
Ann is survived by her husband, Mark; her son Vaughn (Christine); daughter Barbara (Mike); stepson Jason (Amy) and their daughter (Jasmine); sisters Nancy, Kaye, and Martha. Ann leaves behind five loving grandchildren, twins Alex and Amanda, Natalie, Nick, and Lucas; sister-in-law Kim (Gordie), nieces; Kayla, Katie, Bailee.
She enjoyed making memories with her grandchildren, playing card games, reading, camping, puzzling, watching all kinds of sporting events, exploring new places, and decorating for holidays, especially Christmas. Ann loved spending time in the water and camping at Seeley Lake with Mark.
Ann loved life and was happy to wake up in the morning. Every day was a new adventure. Ann’s spirit and optimism enriched many individuals every day. She lived through challenges, but that made her cherish family, friends and life all the more. She was candid and in the same breath, she helped you understand yourself. Her knack for mentorship and empathy helped countless students who treasure her memory.
Ann was quick to downplay her own accomplishments and preferred sharing stories in her warm Southern flare and accent that showed her fierce pride and confidence in her family members.
A service celebrating Ann’s life will be held for friends and family at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 18th at the Radisson Colonial Hotel, 2301 Colonial Dr., Helena.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m.
Saturday March 18, 2017
Radisson Colonial Hotel
2301 Colonial Dr
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m.
Saturday March 18, 2017
Radisson Colonial Hotel
2301 Colonial Dr
Helena, Montana 59601
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Barb Albrecht says
So sorry and my deepest sympathy to hear of Ann’s passing. She was such a beautiful soul, and I feel blessed having known her. God’s blessings to all of you.
Michele Ellefsen says
Ann was an awesome teacher and her students held a deep love and respect for her. She would ask how they were doing years later and always encouraged them to find their best self. I only recently heard she was ill. She will be missed by many.
marnie wedgwood says
Mrs. Curlee was an amazing teacher to my brother and I. She would always ask how my brother and I were doing. She will be missed by many.
Korene McGuire says
We lost a beautiful caring person! She was always there for her students, treasured her many friends, loved life & her family so sincerely……..We’ll see you Annie through the stars at night.
Laura Weber says
I’m so sorry for your loss, Mrs. Curlee was an amazing teacher. I could always recognized Mrs. Curlee from her accent and laugh, such a wonderful lady. She will be missed.
Jim McGrane says
What a wonderful lady. Not only did I have the pleasure of teaching with Ann, our lives were blessed by her teaching our daughter. Our deepest sympathy is extended to the family. May your many pleasant memories fill your lives during this difficult time.
Jo Bryson says
We now have a very special angel in heaven to watch over us ????
Mary Rieley says
My deepest sympathy to Ann’s family. She was a remarkable person, bringing so much joy and energy
into everything she did. Her generous spirit, beautiful smile and contagious laugh will be missed.
Kathie and Doc Elder says
Our deepest sympathy to all of Ann’s family. Ann was a friend, a co-worker, and the 6th grade teacher of our two boys at CRA. She touched many lives with her positive attitude and her gentle words of encouragement. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike and Diane Langenfus says
Mark and family, I am saddened by the loss of Ann, she was so much a part of so many in this community. A good friend and the role model for both my daughters. She was the reason both of them got into sports and also took special personal time with each of them as she did many of her students. She will be missed by all. Sending prayers and hugs to everyone.
Diane, DeeAnn and Michelle McKeever
Christine Casey says
My heart hurts knowing that I will never be able to again share time with Ann. She was one of my first friends when I started teaching at C.R. Anderson. As a new teacher, she befriended me and made me feel welcomed. When I was diagnosed with cancer, she researched and located an oncologist who saved my life. Ann and I have shared many laughs and supported each other during life’s challenges. She will truly be missed by her loving husband, children, grandchildren, sisters, many friends and the enumerable students she championed. Ann had a zest for life, an indomitable spirit and compassion for others. Ann, you will always have a special place in my heart. I miss you and love you, your friend, Chris.
Martha Tuttle says
My thoughts are full of sorrow, my memories full of happiness. My sister, Ann showed the rest of the world how we should all be…..always there for anyone that needed a kind word….always there for sisters that needed advice and/or help in other ways….always a caring, loving mother, grandmother and wife…we can only strive to be half the person Ann was. Miss you so much Sis.
Ron and Cheryl Bolton says
Mark and family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. We are very sad
and will miss Ann. May she Rest in Peace.
Linda (formerly Hamilton) McKennaI says
I knew Ann and first husband when Vaughn & Barbara were at MT City School. What a delight to see her at the kid’s activities. Ann was always so vibrant and positive – her obituary did a wonderful job of capturing her spirit and can only imagine how much those who were lucky enough to remain in her life will feel. Love especially to Vaugh and Barb and their families from the Hamiltons. God bless
Phyllis Marshik says
Mark, Helena has lost a person who lite up the world -at the Broadwater or where ever she
happened to be. We so enjoyed her joyful look at life and her sharing it.. We are thankful
for her life.
Angela Helvey says
My mother, Pat Helvey, would like to send a card: she has no computer. An address, please?
I knew Ann briefly when I was subbing in Helena in ’06 or so. She and another teacher friend vigorously helped all subs increase their pay by $5/day I believe it was. (I was on the committee too.) She was outspoken and so loveable!
Sheila Harris says
I knew Ann from the Broadwater pool. I loved talking to her about books. She was so friendly and kind and had such a good sense of humor. She was a lovely person. I am so sorry that her life has ended.
Carol Ann Dietzen says
It was always my pleasure to interact with Ann throughout the many years we both taught. Ann was a woman of many talents with a remarkably positive attitude in life. Her students were lucky to be taught by such a knowledgeable and fun teacher! I was lucky, also, to share my love of French with her daughter, Barb. Ann will certainly be missed.
Rebecca Potts says
In searching for Mrs. Curlee to reach out and let her know the impact she had as a teacher during difficult middle school years, I am saddened to learn of her passing. She is one of very few teachers who I vividly remember encouraging and supporting me at a time when I really needed it. As a teacher now, I wanted to share that impact with her, but I hope now to share it with her loved ones. Thank you Mrs. Curlee!