Obituary: Filomena "Fay" (Curci) Kushnir, Lover of Life

Filomena "Fay" (Curci) Kushnir, of North Kingstown, passed away on Thursday, March 13, 2014, at home surrounded by her loving family. Born in New York City, she was the cherished daughter of the late Ciro and Anna (Giannini) Curci of New York City and the beloved wife of Frederick Kushnir of North Kingstown.

Besides her husband, she is survived by her children, Kathy Kushnir and Gail Kushnir of North Kingstown, and Bradley (Molly) Kushnir and her grandchildren, Shea and Devan Kushnir, of Hingham, MA. She was the sister of the late Pietro (Peter) Curci, the late Oronzo (Tommy) Curci of New York City, and is survived by Umberto (John) Curci of San Diego, CA, and her sister-in-law Genevieve (Lou) Katz of Oakland, CA.

Fay was a vivacious lover of life. She was a dynamo in retail sales and as an assistant buyer for Gertz Department store in Jamaica, NY, where she met her husband, following his service in the Air Force during the Korean War. Married for 58 years, Fay and Fred raised their family and shared adventures in Flushing, NY, Avon, CT, Wheaton, IL and Cazenovia, WI, before moving to Rhode Island several years ago. Fay loved serving in women's groups at her local Episcopal churches and hospitals, always organizing the latest rummage sale, playing bridge with friends and family, and miraculously sprouting any kind of plant from a twig. Fay threw great parties, being the consummate hostess and fabulous cook, and no one left the table hungry.

A Requiem Eucharist for Fay will be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at 11:00 am in St.Paul's Episcopal Church, 55 Main Street, Wickford. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. A private burial will follow in the Veteran's Cemetery in Exeter. Calling hours are respectfully omitted. 

In lieu of flowers, gifts in her memory to the Comprehensive Cancer Center, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02903, or Home & Hospice Care of RI, 1085 N. Main Street, Providence, RI 02904, will be greatly appreciated.