Jeanne Marie (Beraldo) Curtis
Jeanne Beraldo Curtis (1955-2024) was born in Ventura, CA and grew up on the Mesa, a special place in Santa Barbara, California, just a short walk to the lovely Thousand Steps lookout. She attended Dolores and Our Lady of Guadalupe, both parochial elementary schools in Santa Barbara in the sixties. After that, she attended La Cumbre Junior High and graduated from Santa Barbara High School in 1973. Jeanne married her first love, Rick Curtis, and had their only daughter, Naomi in 1974.
Jeanne had many friends and acquaintances during her professional career at the County of Santa Barbara as a Cancer Registrar where she researched and recorded cancer statistics in the Tri-Counties for over two decades. After retiring from her county position, she chose to continue to work part time in Dr Wipf ‘s dental practice as a receptionist where she cultivated deep and lasting friendships. She loved greeting people, socializing and participating in community events. She regularly volunteered for many non-profit fundraisers with her sister Joanne Hardarson locally.
Jeanne is survived by her husband Richard Lee Curtis and her daughter Naomi Maia Romulo, as well as Armenco Romulo her son-in-law, and her three beloved grandchildren, Jahtro Romulo, Teotl Romulo and Sitlali Romulo. She is predeceased by her parents Joseph Francis Beraldo and Cecilia Elizabeth Beraldo. Jeanne is 9 th generation in Santa Barbara from two long time Santa Barbara families. Both arrived in1782, the year El Presidio de Santa Barbara was settled.
Jeanne is survived also by her three siblings, Jim Beraldo, Joanne Hardarson, and Jackie Beraldo. In addition, she has many cousins, nieces, and nephews who live in town who made her world a joyous place. From family barbecues to weekly gatherings for “happy hour,” she reveled in the company of her family and friends all around her.
Her passing on September 3, 2024, was a deep disappointment to her friends and family. In every way she lived a fulfilling, dignified, and courageous life, even well beyond her expected prognosis. She so wanted to stay present to those whom she loved and cared for. To those close to her, her life was an inspiration. She loved her people generously and often in the form of lavish meals.
Jeanne was always “game” for an adventure, whether locally or on brief road trip. She loved to travel across the country and most often, to Mexico. She and Rick helped Naomi and Armenco build their beautiful adobe home in San Lorenzo, Malacota, Mexico, where the family would enjoy vacation and winter holidays with Armenco’s family. She loved art museums, opera, and especially the ocean. Jeanne Curtis will be missed by so many!
A memorial barbecue will be held at Oak Park in Santa Barbara on October 20, 2024, starting at 11am and going through the day. As usual, feel free to bring your favorite potluck item to share. Oak Park is located at 502 West Alamar Street, 93105 in Santa Barbara, CA near the Pueblo Street exit.
