Sally Ann Curkendall

Sally Ann Curkendall

December 16, 1946 – April 17, 2022 (age 75)

Beloved mother, sister, and “Nana,” Sally Ann Curkendall left this earth on April 17, 2022 at the age of 75.

Sally was born to Virginia and Lewis Degnan on December 16, 1946 in St. Louis, Missouri. She grew up with her younger brother, Bob, in East St. Louis and then Belleville, Illinois, graduating from Belleville Township High School. Sally then attended and graduated from Principia College after which she began her lifelong career as an amazing teacher to many children over the years – first as an elementary teacher and later as a tutor working with children of all ages and abilities. After marrying in 1971, Sally moved to the west coast and settled in Portland where she spent the rest of her life and raised her daughters, Jennifer and Amy. Her brother also later moved to Portland and the two remained close. She remarried to Clarence Keech in 2005.

As a mother of two daughters, the universe decided Sally needed boys in her life and blessed her with her four grandsons, Nolan, Bryce, Elliott, and Kyle, who she adored beyond measure. Although retired from her life as an educator, Sally loved coming up with art and craft projects to do with her grandsons, sharing favorite children’s books with them, and helping them follow their interests. In turn, all four boys adored their Nana and looked forward to the surprises she always brought them.

Throughout her life, Sally was always an animal lover. She had many pets (dogs, rabbits, chinchillas, hamsters, and a guinea pig) over the years and was also one to rescue injured birds and other wildlife. In 2020, she got an Australian Labradoodle, Sammy, who she loved and adored.

Sally also loved to garden. She was always out working in her yard and got to know everyone in the Brooklyn neighborhood that passed by her house. She delighted in finding beauty in nature around her and in connecting with the lives of her neighbors.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following organizations that Sally supported: Best Friends Animal Society, Oregon Food Bank, Portland Audubon Society, or The Nature Conservancy.