Elizabeth Ann Slowinski Currie of Hixson passed away peacefully on March 9 with her children by her side.
Mrs. Currie was born in Ionia, Mich., on Jan. 9, 1939, to Arthur and Alice Slowinski. In 1945, she moved to Port Huron, Mich., where she graduated from St. Stephen High School. She attended Providence Hospital School of Nursing in Detroit, graduating with honors in 1959.
Her nursing career included work in the labor and delivery unit, home health-care and occupational health positions, as well as managed care. In 1990, she went to work at Provident in the managed-care unit. During this time, she went back to school at the age of 55 and obtained her bachelor’s degree in health arts. While at Provident, she managed several areas in the case-management department, served as a trainer, and developed many programs prior to her retirement in 2000.
While retired, Mrs. Currie enjoyed traveling with her husband in their RV and spending winters in Florida and Texas. She was active in children’s activities, including Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts. She served as “cookie chairman” for many years.
She also was active at St. Jude Church and School and served in various roles with the Home and School Association. She was a fan of the Tennessee Vols.
While in high school, she met the love of her life, Frank Currie. They married in 1960 and had five children. She is survived by her children, Kathleen (Doug) Martin, Susan (Danny) Philpott, David (Martie) Currie, Sheila Gwaltney, and Karen (Steve) Spreha. The delights of her life were her grandchildren, including Nicholas (Courtney), Lauren (Levi), Colin Philpott, Patrick (Abby), Jack and Maggie Martin, Katie Smith, Cameron Blankenship, Alicia and William Gwaltney, Joey (Samantha), and Matt and Sam Spreha; and great-grandchildren, Emma and Elliott Philpott, and Lucas Clemons.
Mrs. Currie is predeceased by her parents, Arthur and Alice Slowinski, and her husband of 61 years, Frank Currie.
In addition to her children, she is also survived by her brother, Joe Slowinski, and sisters-in-law, Alicia Riegal and Joan Currie.
A funeral Mass was celebrated on March 25 at St. Jude Church in Chattanooga. Memorial contributions for Mrs. Currie can be made to St. Jude School, 930 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37415 or to St. Jude Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
