Muriel Blanche Clare Curry, 93, of New Haven, CT, passed away peacefully at home after a long illness on February 3, 2023. Muriel was born October 12, 1929, in Orange, NJ, to the late Thomas and Blanche Green Clare. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 56 years, George; her sisters, Jacqueline Clare and Gail Hawley; her brothers, Thomas Clare and Ronald Johnson. Muriel is survived by her daughter, Paula Curry, and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, family and friends.
Muriel attended New Haven Public Schools and graduated from Hillhouse High School. In 1948 she began employment at SNET Co. (Southern New England Telephone Company), as the first African American Telephone Operator in the company's history, opening the door for many people of color that followed. She retired from the phone company as a Manager in 1986. Muriel was a life member of the "Telephone Pioneers of America." After retiring Muriel was heavily involved in Saint Martin De Porres Church. She was a member of the Black Catholic Caucus, along with the Knights and Ladies of Saint Peter Claver, Court 266 3rd Degree, Knights of Saint Peter Claver Ladies of Grace (Sister Delores P. Harrell Grand Chapter 33), and Knights of Saint Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary. Muriel was also a member of the Saint Martin De Porres Ladies Guild. She volunteered each Tuesday morning to assist with Saint Martin's Soup Kitchen where the homeless were fed. Muriel loved gardening and volunteered for many years at the Pardee Garden in Hamden. There she assisted in growing and planting flowers that would eventually come to decorate downtown and other areas of New Haven. Her green thumb carried over as a founding member of the Chapel Seed Community Garden. Invested in her neighborhood, she was a member of the West River Neighborhood Association for many years.
Muriel was a people person and lived a full life. She loved to enjoy a good time! She knew every line dance and could often be seen joining a much younger crowd on the dance floor to participate in the Electric Slide, Cupid Shuffle and other line dances. She loved music and would frequent jazz clubs with her friends to enjoy local musicians. Muriel loved food, particularly her sweets! She loved to sip a mug of hot tea in the evening while enjoying a piece of cake, pie or cookies. She had a great sense of humor, and her laughter permeated any room that she was in.
Friends are invited to visit with her family on Thursday, February 16th from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at BEECHER & BENNETT FUNERAL HOME, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden with her funeral starting at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Beaverdale Memorial Park. To view a recording of the funeral service, please visit this link: Muriel Curry Funeral . Use password n2YQ8#9? for access.