Funeral, Visitation Set for Marisa Gail Curlen, 20, Former Rye High School Graduate and Volleyball Player

The following obituary is from Graham Funeral Home:

Marisa Gail Curlen, 20, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 17, 2015 in Harrisonburg, VA. Marisa was born in Tinton Falls, NJ on January 31, 1995. Marisa grew up in Rye, attending Rye Presbyterian Preschool before attending the Rye Public Schools, where she graduated in May, 2013 from Rye High School.

She attended Rye Presbyterian Church where she was Baptized and Confirmed by Pastor Dan Love. Marisa was involved in dancing from the age of 2 to 12, dancing competitively for 4 years. Marisa was a beautiful dancer, taking center stage in her performances. She received a multitude of awards and trophies during her years competing. Marisa joined Greenwich Dance Studio in 2006 and was immediately recognized as the most promising dancer. The studio’s director, Kate Truesdell said “Marisa was one of the most talented dancers I’ve ever met. When she danced you couldn’t take your eyes off of her. She truly was my star, and an effervescent role model for all the young dancers in our studio. Marisa set the standard our students aspired to reach. She was also the inspiration for creating a ‘Junior Company’, which showcased an elite group of top dancers.’”

Marisa was frequently featured in the studio’s promotional materials including performance advertisements as well as on Greenwich Dance Studio’s website. Marisa’s “Grande Jete” or a “Leap” was featured on one particular summer brochure. She attended a By-Invitation Joffrey Ballet workshop in Miami, FL. Marisa was then invited to participate in the By-Invitation Manhattan Joffrey Ballet Company summer program.

Marisa began playing volleyball in middle school as a setter. She continued playing through her senior year of high school, playing on the Varsity Volleyball team her 10th-12th grades. Marisa attended college at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA. She was studying Hospitality Management and in the second semester of her Sophomore year. She was a member of Alpha Phi Sorority.

Marisa loved life, laughing, fashion, art, sketching, traveling, her dogs, and food, especially late night snacks. Marisa had an insatiable zest for adventure. She had the most creative mind which was constantly working. Marisa was cherished by her family, her friends and her sorority sisters who will all miss her beautiful smile, her big blue eyes, her rosy cheeks, and sense of humor. Marisa had a precious soul, and we all take comfort knowing that Marisa is at peace as our Lord welcomes her into Heaven.

Marisa is survived by her mother and best friend, Julie Miller Curlen of Rye; her father, Steven P. Curlen of New Rochelle; grandparents, the late Edward and Gail Miller (Marisa’s namesake) of Pittsburgh, PA; step-grandmother, Dorothy Miller of Pittsburgh; Shirley and the late Hubert Curlen of Winchester, VA; aunts, Diane Miller and Linda Kostura (Rich), all of Pittsburgh; uncle Jeff Miller (Betsy) of Ft. Worth, TX; uncle Robert Curlen (Kit) of Hanover, PA; aunt Diane Slebodnick of Ocean View, DE; cousins Jennifer, Julia and Rob Sittig; Andrea and Libby Kostura; Kaitlyn Miller; Sheridan and Sarandon Slebodnick; Kelsey and Kameron Curlen; her beloved dogs, Oreo, Jazzy and Paisley.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 24 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Graham Funeral Home, 1036 Boston Post Road, Rye 10580. A Celebration of Marisa’s Life will be held Saturday, April 25 at 2 pm at Rye Presbyterian Church, 882 Boston Post Road, Rye, 10580 under the direction of Pastor Dan Love. A reception will follow the service in the Westminster Room and adjoining outdoor courtyard of the church. Serving as Pallbearers are Jeff Miller, Bob Curlen, Rob Sittig, Keith Lessner, Iler Biga and Samuel Partin.

Memorial contributions in Marisa’s name may be made to Midnight Run, www.midnightrun.org, or the Born This Way Foundation, bornthiswayfoundation.org. Midnight Run is a volunteer organization dedicated to finding common ground between the housing and the homeless. The Born This Way Foundation is committed to supporting the wellness of young people, and empowering them to create a kinder and braver world.