Liana S. (Santarosa) Curtis, age 83 passed peacefully on Friday April 9, 2010 in Our Lady of Peace Nursing Care Residence in Lewiston, NY. Born November 29, 1926 in Sulmona, Abruzzi, Italy she was the daughter of the late Salvatore and Lucia (Celeste) Santarosa.

Liana's father and older brother came to the United States prior to World War II and made their residence in Niagara Falls, NY. Following the War, Liana immigrated to the United States along with her mother and two younger brothers. They arrived in New York City Harbor, Labor Day weekend 1946, and were reunited with their family the following day. When Liana first came from Italy, she worked at the former Kimberly Clark Co. in Niagara Falls and as a seamstress in a custom drapery shop. On May 15, 1949, Liana married Nicholas J. Curtis. Mr. Curtis predeceased her on July 7, 1998.

Liana's passion which became her life long career after marriage was working with handicapped children. She began in 1958 working a half day for the Cerebral Palsy Clinic of Niagara County and a half day for the Association for the help of Retarded Children. Both of these agencies were located in Niagara Street School. She completed her Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education in 1985 and later obtained employment for Niagara Children Education and Treatment Center (Niagara Children ETC.) located on Lockport Road until her retirement in 1995.

One of Liana's favorite pastimes for many years was being a tour guide of the Niagara Region for chartered groups from Italy.
Mrs. Curtis is survived by her two children, John N. Curtis of Niagara Falls, NY and Elpida S. (Brian C.) Crawford of Amherst, NY, two grandchildren, Stephen A. Crawford and Christine E. Crawford, two brothers, Chester (late Rose) (Jean) Santarosa of Niagara Falls, NY, Claude (Eleanor) Santarosa of Lewiston, NY and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. She was also predeceased by one brother Julio (late Mary) Santarosa.

Visitation will be held on Monday from 3-8 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI AND SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL 2730 MILITARY ROAD NIAGARA FALLS, NY where funeral services will begin on Tuesday April 13th at 9:45 a.m. and at 10:30 a.m. in Calvary Baptist Church 624 Hyde Park Boulevard Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Matthew Furan officiating. Entombment will be held in St. Joseph Cemetery Niagara Falls, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings can be made to Niagara Children ETC, 9812 Lockport Rd. Niagara Falls, NY 14304 or Calvary Baptist Church 624 Hyde Park Blvd. Niagara Falls, NY 14301.