Debra Jean (Erdmann) Curley

Debra Jean Curley, 68, of Pleasant Mount, died unexpectedly on Monday morning at Geisinger Hospital, surrounded by her loving husband, children, siblings, grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Debbie’s selflessness knew no bounds. Her warmth, love and kindness made her a blessing to everyone she encountered. Born July 6, 1954, in Hackensack, New Jersey, “Debbie” was the daughter of the late Edward and Doris (Scholland) Erdmann. She attended Mount Aloysius College and Misericordia University before later obtaining her Master’s degree from Dominican College. “Debbie” loved helping people, devoting her career as an Occupational Therapist at Community Medical Center in Scranton for over 25 years, and later working for Wayne Memorial Hospital before retiring. Debbie served as a layperson for the Pleasant Mount United Methodist Church, donating her time to writing uplifting sermons and helping the church any chance she could. She loved to read and was a proud board member of the Pleasant Mount Library.

Debra is survived by her husband of 47 years, Rulief Curley; and her three girls, Dana Flemming (husband Brad) of Florida; Billi Jo Dresner (husband Michael) of North Carolina; and Rebecca Curley (Partner T.J. Branning) of Pleasant Mount, PA. She is also survived by her brother Mark Erdmann, and sisters Leeanna Erdmann and Kathy Erdmann. She was preceded in death by her brother Scott A. Erdmann. Debbie is also survived her beloved grandchildren: Ava, John, Bailey, Brady, Bradley, Brittney, and Brooke; and a great granddaughter, Julianna Grace. Her legacy will live on through her children, grandchildren, other family and friends, who will always remember the impact she had on their lives.

Family led funeral services will be on Saturday, June 24, at 11:00 am at the Pleasant Mount United Methodist Church, 383 Great Bend Turnpike in Pleasant Mount. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to the Kevin M. Lesjack Funeral Home in Forest City.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions in Debra’s honor be sent to the Pleasant Mount United Methodist Church, the Pleasant Mount Library or The Ocular Melanoma Foundation (https://ocularmelanoma.org/donate).

The family would like to share these parting words from Debbie:

“In the end, only three things matter: How much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.”  —Buddha

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”  —Winston Churchill 

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