Barbara Curtin

BARBARA CURTIN

Iowa City

Barbara Ann Curtin,

70, died suddenly Sunday, March 22, 2015, at her home of a massive heart attack. A Service of Remembrance will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, March 27, at the Unitarian Universalist Society, 10 S. Gilbert St., Iowa City, with the Rev. Steven Protzman officiating. Barbara deeded her body for research to University of Iowa Hospital.

Barbara was born July 11, 1944, and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., the daughter of Eleanor Barry Curtin and John Curtin. She received her master's degree from St. Joseph's College, Brooklyn, N.Y.

Barbara moved to Iowa City 40 years ago. She worked at the Emma Goldman Clinic, was executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters for 15 years, became the capital campaign development director for the Iowa City Public Library, and when nearing semi-retirement she worked part-time at Kirkwood Community College as the ESL and GED volunteer coordinator. Fully retired, Barbara continued to give back to the community through many various volunteer opportunities.

After the 2009 Iowa Supreme Court decision ruling in Varnum v. Brien that gay and lesbian marriages could not be prohibited, Barbara was united in marriage to her partner of 15 years, Jane Slaymaker, on May 9, 2009, at their home.

Barbara is survived by her life partner of 20 years, Jane Slaymaker; two children, Jeffrey (Jessica) Mosher of Napa, Calif., and their children Sam, Elias and Atticus, and Sara Curtin- Mosher (Raoul Delara) of Marshalltown and son, Jonathan Curtin; four step- children, Pam (Ray) Thys of Marion and their children, Emily (AJ) and Greg (Amanda); Mark Slaymaker of Marengo; Paul (Lorie) Slaymaker of Tiffin and their children, Dan (Melissa) and Adam; and Michael Slaymaker (George Bridges) of Orlando, Fla.; one great-granddaughter, Claire Slaymaker; her sister-in-law, Rita Cull of Pearl River, N.Y.; three nieces, Linda, Elizabeth and Catherine; and her former spouse, Craig Mosher of Decorah.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, John.

Barbara was involved with the Little Free Library Program. She cared for the libraries at Forestview Mobile Home Park and the Johnson County Administration Building North. In her honor, the family hopes that friends continue her legacy caring for these two libraries.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Iowa City Crisis Center Food Bank or the Iowa City Public Library.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.lensingfuneral.com.