Fred & Selma Curns

February 7, 2020

Fred Francis Curns (Age 102) & Selma Lelling Curns (Age 94) November 7, 1917 – February 7, 2020 & April 16, 1919 – January 8, 2014 Memorial Service for Fred and Selma Curns Friday, February 28, 2020 at one o’clock The Village Church at Greenspring 7420 Spring Village Drive Springfield, Virginia 22150 Fred and Selma both grew up in Detroit, Michigan. While their families attended the same church, the young couple met after school at the bus stop. Fred was shy but fascinated by Selma, whom he thought “a real beauty.” After graduation Fred joined the Western Electric Company, where he worked for 43 years. He traveled throughout his career, but his first permanent transfer led him to propose to Selma. When their minister refused to marry them on Easter weekend, Selma threated to leave with Fred, married or not. The minister relented – and thus began a love affair that lasted more than 75 years. Fred spent part of World War II in Alaska and Canada installing vital communications equipment on the newly constructed Alcan Highway. Although he had scarlet fever as a child, Fred led a normal and active life until he suffered a major heart attack at age 46. Assuming he would not live into old age, he retired at 62 “in order to spend more time with Selma.” As it turned out he was retired for almost as many years as he worked. He did not suffer another heart attack until age 86, three days after the couple moved from Michigan to Springfield. Fred liked to boast that he outlived all of his heart doctors. He attributed his longevity to proper diet and exercise. Selma was an excellent cook who prepared healthy meals that instilled in Fred a love and fruits and vegetables. He also worked in his garden until the day they left for Virginia. Besides cooking, Selma loved arranging flowers from the garden and sewing. She was a first-class seamstress, a skill she acquired through an early job at the Singer (sewing machine) Company. As a girl she was slight of build and, according to her father, in need of building up. So, she became the beneficiary of her father’s devotion to health foods, and ultimately lived to be 94. Both Selma and Fred were known for their kindness and unpretentiousness. Selma had a quiet elegance about her, and she was unfailingly well turned out. Fred always had a twinkle in his eye and a ready quip. Retired and in their sixties when their grandchildren, Randall and Avery, were born, Selma and Fred took great delight in their company and in watching them grow into respected and successful adults. Avery remembers picking currents in the back garden so Selma could make jelly for Fred. And learning how to make chicken and dumplings and peach pie. In later years she and Fred would sit for hours discussing the financial markets while Avery checked the prices in the Wall Street Journal. She and Randall loved visiting their grandparents in Florida over spring break. Of course, there was Orlando and the beach, but also the undivided attention of Selma and Fred who had all the patience and love in the world for their grandchildren. Daughter Diane says she had the best parents in the world who encouraged her to think on her own, stand on her own two feet and see the world. Which is just what she did. Even though she was an only child, Fred and Selma always supported her Foreign Service career, which kept her overseas for years at a time. Here is what others have had to say: Fred was an extraordinary self-made, hard-working man with incredible patience and a huge heart. I will always look up to him. Selma had incredible enthusiasm for what was going on around her. She was so interested in the other residents at Greenspring. Fred never said anything unkind about anyone. It was a pleasure to be his friend. He was the best uncle. He always looked after us. Your mother was a wonderful person. She was charming and gracious. Alas! That world is so rapidly being erased from our planet. Your mother was a lovely lady and you were so fortunate to have had her with you for 94 years. What a wonderful, talented and loving person she way. Every room she entered instantly became a more sparkling place. I loved getting to know your dad over the years; he always had a big smile on his face. Selma was always gracious and welcoming to our family. I have such wonderful memories of your mother – she was such a sweet and gracious woman. Such a cheerful, friendly and positive person. Your mother was loved by so many people. She always made others feel good, which was a special blessing. I can remember when Selma would make a beautiful dress for you; everything had to be perfect. And the garment would always be beautiful. You and your dad were so special to each other; I quite envied your father and daughter relationship. Your mom and dad always had a very close bond with you and that is reflected so well in the traits they imparted to you. I have such nice memories of your parents when we were growing up. It was nice that they had such long lives and spent so many years together. Fred was always very caring of Selma. He was such a delightful gentleman and a very good neighbor. We miss chatting with him after dinner as he always had a wry remark or two and a twinkle in his eyes. I am thankful for having your parents as our great neighbors for so many years. Selma was a very special friend, just as Fred was. Your mother was such lovely lady, both inside and out. She was so competent, lively, effervescent and sympathetic, and she seemed to enjoy her full life. Your dad was truly her other half, her constant and devoted companion in their life together. Grandma was an inspiring and amazing woman. Your grandmother took such pride in you – her enjoyment of you was wonderful to observe. I remember the stories you told of your grandmother – her style, class and sass. She was such a classy lady. May Selma’s fashion live on in the Detroit Historical Museum. I will be forever grateful for Fred’s friendship and wonderful sense of humor during the past 15 plus years. On the occasion of Fred’s 100th birthday: This is an incredible milestone, but not nearly as incredible as you are. Thank you for the caring and wisdom you give to everyone in your life. You are the best! You have touched so many with your warmth and kindness. May the joy you have given others be yours. You are the best! A class act. I am so very lucky to have such a wonderful grandfather as you. To the best uncle ever (and the funniest). You are an inspiration. Thank you for being such a good friend. You are a marvel. You and Selma made an inspirational couple. I’m blessed to have known you. You have set a wonderful example for us all. Thank you for being in my life. Remembering when we first met you and sweet Selma 14 years ago at Greenspring. Thanks for being a great father to Diane and to all of us 70-somethings who lost our fathers long ago. 100 never looked so good. You’re truly an inspiration to us all. What a dear and considerate friend you have been over the years. I feel so lucky to have had such an amazing grandfather for my entire life. You are such a beautiful man. I particularly enjoy your quick wit and sense of humor. I never knew Selma but all who did liked and admired her. A real classy gentleman. An exceptional friend and a charming man. Our father figure.