Alice E. “Gram” Curtis
(27 November 1919 – 5 July 2002)
ZEBA – Alice E. “Gram” Curtis, 82, of Zeba, passed away at Marquette General Hospital on Friday, July 5, 2002, following a brief illness. Alice was born November 27, 1919, in Zeba, the daughter of the late Jerry and Lizzie (Blaker) Spruce. She attended school in Pequaming and was a lifetime area resident. In September of 1940, she married George Eli Curtis in Zeba. He preceded her in death in 1977.
Alice was an active member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Baraga Senior Citizens and served on the board of the Ojibwa Senior Citizens. She had been the Director of the tribal Green Thumb Horticulture Program and assisted the recruitment and placement efforts as part of the program. Alice was one of the first employees of the Big Bucks Bingo Hall and later, became one of its most avid players. She enjoyed attending the annual Pow-Wows, playing cards, sewing and most of all, being with her grandchildren.
“Gram” Curtis is survived by two sons, Robert “Beaver” (Valerie) Voakes of L’Anse, Jerry Lee (Cindy) Curtis of Zeba; two daughters, Georgianna Emory of Baraga and Sandra (Jerry) Swartz of L’Anse, daughter-in-law, Karen Curtis of Zeba, 23 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren; sister, Evelyn Holappa of Zeba and sister-in-law, Marie Spruce of Lac Du Flambeau, Wis. In addition, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins survive. A son, Robert “Big Bob” Curtis; a grandson; a brother; and sisters, Hattie and Ida preceded her in death.
Traditional Native American Ceremonies and funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 10, 2002, from the Most Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Assinins with Fr. John Hascall officiating. He will be assisted by Paul Halverson.
Family members will serve as casket bearers and interment will take place in the Pinery Cemetery. A visitation will be held at the church on Tuesday, July 9, 2002, from 6 until 9 p.m. and on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials to Mrs. Curtis are suggested to the Ojibwa Senior Citizens Fund. Envelopes will be available at the church.
source: the Daily Mining Gazette, Houghton, MI, 8 Jul 2003