04/06/2026
Sallie Ann Downs Curtis, 72, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026, at the Hospice House in Auburn, Maine, with her husband by her side. In her final moments, he told her he loved her and that she was free to fly home to heaven—that he would meet her there someday.
Born on December 30, 1953, Sallie built a life rooted in love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to her family. In recent months, she lived with her daughter in Litchfield, Maine—a time filled with love, care, and family close by. Prior to that, she made her home in Bath, Maine.
She was the beloved wife of Burton Paul Curtis, with whom she shared 54 years of marriage—a love story admired by all who knew them. Their devotion to one another ran deep. There was a running joke that Sallie could say just about anything and Burt would back her up—the only truth he ever needed was hers. Together, they filled their days with simple joys: playing cribbage, going out to eat, and welcoming friends into their home. Even after more than five decades, they remained the kind of couple people smiled at—the kind still clearly, deeply in love.
Sallie was a devoted mother to Maryea Curtis and her husband Nathan Varney, Jeff Curtis and his fiancée Arisa, and Cody Curtis. Jeff and Cody were adopted, but to Sallie, there was never a distinction—only love. She was an incredibly proud and loving Nana to Ellyana and Mercedes, who were the light of her life.
Sallie had a gift for making people feel like they belonged. She was a mother or Nana not just to her own children, but to so many other nieces, nephews, neighbors’ children, and friends. Her beloved nieces Mary MacMaster and Emily Downs held a uniquely special place in her heart—they were constants in her life, especially in her final months, standing by her side through many hospital days with unwavering love and support.
She is also survived by her brothers, Roger Downs, Roger’s partner Mary Ellen, and John Downs, and John’s partner, Phyllis, who became a dear friend and brought her great joy and was deeply loved.
Sallie loved crafting, cooking, and creating spaces where people felt welcome and cared for. She found joy in camping in northern Maine on the paper lands with Burt, where life slowed down and time was spent enjoying the outdoors and each other.
Sallie loved children—all children. She would stop to admire a baby in a grocery store or strike up a conversation with a toddler from across a room. No child was a stranger to her. At the Galley Restaurant in Bath, where she and Burt were regulars for breakfast, she became someone everyone knew and loved—especially the kids. She always made sure to bring quarters, leaving them behind so the little ones could buy gum from the machines—a small gesture that meant everything.
When she was younger, Sallie and Burt could often be found racing their horses through open fields—free, fearless, and side by side. And even near the end of her life, that connection never left her. From her wheelchair, at the sliding door of her daughter’s home, she would feed the horses—still present, still connected, still herself.
She had a way of making people feel seen. She listened deeply, offered guidance with honesty and care, and helped others understand what they truly needed and wanted. She was a trusted advisor, a steady friend, and someone people turned to when they needed both truth and compassion.
She was a spitfire—independent and a little sassy—with a quick temper and an even bigger heart. Her compassion for others ran deep, and her loyalty was beyond words. If she loved you, she loved you fiercely.
Above all, Sallie was an amazing Nana—the biggest cheerleader, with a love that knew no limits. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for her grandchildren. Her love was fierce, steady, and constant.
Sallie had a way of gathering people in, of seeing those who needed a place, and giving it to them without hesitation. She collected strays—and made them family.
She will be remembered for her warmth, her strength, her humor, and the way she made people feel at home simply by being herself.
A celebration of Sallie’s life will be held on May 9 at 2:00 PM at the LDS Chapel, 33 Pine Wood Drive, Topsham, Maine.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sallie Curtis’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
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