Marian Nell Curtis was born to Elizabeth and Fritz Hillman on Dec 30th, 1921 in rural, southeastern Nebraska. She was one of eleven children and she loved her Nebraska roots. In her late teens, she moved to California where she lived for the rest of her life. She married William Arthur Pierce in the mid 40s, and had two children -- Patricia Ann and William Gary (deceased). Sadly, she lost her husband and son in 1948 but found love again in her marriage to Richard Wesley Curtis. Together they had three children -- Michael Wesley (deceased), Jeffrey Brian, and Pamela Lynn (deceased). Marian lived in Lynnwood and Garden Grove before moving to Downey in 1961. She loved Downey and was very active within the community, where she served as a member of the Women’s Club, P.E.O, Christ Lutheran Church, and the Assistance League of Downey, where she was also past-president. When she was 95, she was honored by the city of Downey for her 50 years of membership and service to the community. Marian sought every opportunity to help others and along the way, she met many dear life-long friends. It is no doubt that family, friends and service were the cornerstones of her life, as she would often say that there was nothing more important than family, and that she considered dear friends her family too.

Marian is best remembered for her strong-willed independence, sense of humor, and love of life. Till the very end, she loved to wear high heels, get her hair and nails done, and just enjoy the little things. She died at 99, just two months shy of her 100th birthday, but lived a wonderfully fulfilled life.

She is survived by her two children, Patricia (Burns) Balcena and Jeffrey Curtis; sons in law -- Jim Burns, Nemesio Balcena and Michael Hunter; daughter in law -- Ting Wan Ju, six grandchildren -- Bryan Burns, Jeremy (Tyree) Burns, Nicole Hunter, Ryan Hunter, Kevin Curtis and Kristin Curtis; and two great- grandsons -- Benjamin Burns and Charlie Burns.

Services will be held this Sunday October 24th at 12pm at the Christ Lutheran Church (7707 Florence Ave, Downey) followed by a reception at the Assistance League House at 1pm. Donations can be made in her name to the Assistance League.