Greta Barbara Curry of Riverview and Pointe du Chene, New Brunswick, passed away on May 31 of 2023, at the Moncton Hospital. Born in Newcastle, she was the daughter of the late William and Margaret (Smith) Matchett. Greta was born either in 1933 or 1934, the truth of which grew more in question as time marched on, something she offered with a sly grin. So we are sticking to 89 as her age when she passed peacefully at the hospital, after a very brief and sudden change in her health.
In her early years, she was employed "at the bank" (RBC) in Moncton and Toronto. She spoke often of those times as she truly enjoyed her experience in the banking business and the connections she had made. She was a former member of the Moncton Kinettes Club, and a member of Pine Needles Golf & Country Club, where she proudly displayed her prowess from the lady’s tee, with her characteristic knee-bend prior to driving that ball straight and true down the fairway. There is documented evidence of her muttering "oh noooo" more than a few times though! She proudly maintained her large locker at the club, and it was truly her element to get out on the links and make it all look so effortless, despite her age.
Greta’s early years are a bit of a mystery because once she met her fabulous sailor, her future husband, and life partner, Donald, *all* her focus was directed to him, to her family and friends. She selflessly allowed herself to disappear into her role as mother, wife, and bedrock to many. Whether she was at the rink helping Jill with figure skating, or being with Drew all over the place for hockey, along with countless practices, she never complained. Her joy with her family life was an example that could set the tone for generations.
Her wry wit, her inability not to speak her mind, and her gracious charm, all merged into a little dynamo called "NannyGeeky".
Greta’s life took on a new meaning, new challenges, and was not always full of happiness when Don took sick in ’79. Her role transformed, and challenges were aplenty, but she never complained. Once again, she allowed her role to be one of support and guidance. She will be forever blessed in heaven and beyond by her giving nature.
Greta and Don spent their last active travel years visiting with Drew in Victoria, BC where she was known to try and help west-coasters become as friendly as Maritimers, which was always fun! She made new friends and was a joy to have as a house guest. She and Don frequented the Sidney Army/Navy Club, and many knew her smile and watched her and Don dance gracefully into the night.
In her later years, NannyGeeky morphed into "the dog lady"! She always carried treats, eagerly looking forward to the next pooch that she could befriend. Even on her final day of awareness, a furry friend was brought in to visit her bedside. That touched so many online, as the image of that dog at her bed prompted many to tears, and elicited much warmth, so thank you to Lucy!
To the very end, Greta was an example of vigorous energy. She would routinely walk 5k-15k steps a day and barely break a sweat. She adopted new healthy lifestyle choices and maintained an energy level that set examples for many. Her decline and passing shocked us all, as it was sudden and unexpected. Greta left behind many friends, old and new, and will also be missed by Max and others at Peoples Park Tower, her final home in Moncton.
She will be dearly missed by her daughter, Jill (Kevin) Myles, son, Drew Curry, sisters; Ruth Heath and Libby Bland, two grandchildren; Adam and Angela and a great-grandchild, Hudson. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her beloved husband Donald, sisters; Wanda, Helen, Yvonne, and brother Bill.
Greta’s daughter Jill offered the same level of care and respect to Greta her entire life, and rarely left Greta’s bedside in her final and unexpected decline. Remarkable loyalty and care were manifested, as it also was for Don in his final days. There are fewer greater gifts than a supportive presence and loving words as a soul transitions to the next life. Jill provided that for them.
Special mention must be offered to pay tribute to the bond between Greta and her grandson Adam. It goes beyond, far beyond, the average connection as evidenced by the fact that they spoke on the phone almost every day, and even a couple of times a day, for most of his adult life. Even living far away, Adam was always thoughtful enough to call and listen to her stories and ask genuine questions about her day. It was time she cherished, as did he, even when some of the stories may have repeated once or twice.
Greta cherished her lifelong friends Bernie & Lois, Walter & Ruth, Dick & Denise and many many more, each of whom she spoke of often and with love.
The family invites friends, relatives, and their dogs for a time to share and celebrate Greta’s Life on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, from 6-8 PM at Cobb’s Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 330 Whitepine Rd., Riverview (869-2007). Donations made to The Moncton SPCA would be greatly appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cobbsfuneralhome.ca