Olivia W. Curtin

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Olivia (Livy) Wilson Curtin on February 10, 2026 at the age of 77. Born in Rhode Island, July 21,1948, she was a daughter, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, godmother, educator, and friend. There are no more hardships for her in this life, and she is now reunited with her daughter, Mary Eileen. Olivia’s laughter, kindness, and generosity affected the lives of countless people, and she admirably lived her life with humility, forgiveness, and faith.
Olivia’s greatest loves were her family and friends, and she taught them the mutual benefits gained when tempering strength with compassion, putting others before herself, and having awareness to protect those in need. Her charity was endless, and her gift-giving superb. She took the time to truly know those around her and valued each person she encountered. She valued all human life, even going so far as housing young pregnant women in the 1980s who were turned away from their own homes - all while raising her own young family. She participated in countless church, school, and community activities geared toward providing more for those who had less, and she lived as a witness to her faith.
She is survived by her husband Martin of 54 years, her children and their spouses whom she loved so much: Brendan (Nichole), Jonathan (Catalina), Michael (Heather), Joseph, and Colleen (Jonathan); her grandchildren, who made her smiles bright: Nicolas, Cristina, Nolan, Hudson, Jasper, Heath, Luc, and Willem; her sisters: Paula and Marion, and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her daughter Mary Eileen, sisters Roberta and Shirley, parents Aldora and Gilbert Wilson, extended family members and dear friends from all over, and her loyal, furry friend, Billy.
She taught Special Education at Jennie F Snapp School, Broome-Tioga BOCES, and Seton Catholic Central, as well as many years of substitute teaching at various school districts. Livy’s efforts championed every student to comprehend and actualize their inherent value no matter what their hardship. She cheered students on in their successes, hugged them when they fell, and cried with them when they lost. She understood that giving in this life is easy, that the costs are nominal, and the results are always bountiful. That same mantra carried into her personal friendships, her children’s friends, and all that met her. The moment one met Livy was the moment she met a new friend, and her open-door policy made it seem as though that friendship has gone on for years. That spirit of fun and community was shared at her children’s sporting events, her own play in an adult softball league, and cheering for her golf partner as they sunk their putt. There was no better person to have on your team.
Humility guided her life choices, and it is because of that characteristic she acquired all her loving and close relationships. She loved you all dearly, and you all surely knew it because she did not mask that love. You were there for her when she needed you most, and she did everything she could to do the same for us all. Even in these waning years, and when her struggles had aggressively taken her from her daily correspondences, she was sure to have felt your thoughts of her, your prayers for her, and your love for her. It is unquestionable.
To her dear friends, who brought so many smiles to her world and were recipients of her warmth, she loved you dearly and was an empathetic listener, giver, humorist, and “hostess with the mostest” of her own St. Patrick’s Day Party (always dressed as a leprechaun no matter how much showing up in costume at her children’s school embarrassed them). She loved you all because you provided her with so much laughter, so much assistance when she was in her darkest hours, and so much love. Her children are forever grateful for your undying and ever-present devotion and support up until the very end. Though her illness took her mind, her spirit was mirrored in every one of your smiles, every food delivery, and every helpful task. She was a clear and perfect exemplar for the word “friend” as are all of you. As imprinted upon one of the many knickknacks she kept, “A friend is one who comes in when the whole world has gone out.”
The Curtin family extends our heartfelt thank you to Livy’s caregivers: Barb Lewis and Jemila Andrew for their kind, professional, and loyal assistance, and all the wonderfully supportive and kind staff of Lourdes Hospice.
A Funeral Mass for Olivia will be held on Monday, February 16th at 10 am at Church of the Holy Family, 3600 Phyllis Street, Endwell. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 15th at the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 E. Main Street, Endicott from 2-4 pm.
In lieu of flowers we suggest reaching out to a friend to check in, say hello, provide a smile, or extend any kind gesture you deem valuable to someone you may know that could use the boost.