Brigitte Ursula Curtis

Brigitte Ursula (Lauffer) Curtis, 74, North Manchester, passed away June 20, 2024 at Timbercrest Healthcare Center in North Manchester. She was born on April 7, 1950 to Maria C. (Kriegelstein) Pfemier, in Pfarrkirchen, West Germany, as Brigitte Ursula Pfreimer. Her name was officially changed by her adoptive father, Dale R. Lauffer, in 1954. In 1955, the military family moved to Tacoma, Washington, and subsequently moved to Italy, Lawton, Oklahoma, Redstone Arsenal, and Huntsville, Alabama, where Brigitte graduated High School in 1968. 

Upon her father’s retirement from the United States Army, Brigitte moved with her now civilian family to Indianapolis, Indiana and attended Purdue University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in English Education and then attained her Master’s Degree in School Librarianship. 

She was an Elementary School Librarian in Corpus Christi, Texas, from 1981 to 1987 before she continued her career as a School Librarian in Plainfield, Illinois, until her retirement in 2010. She enjoyed opening numerous new elementary libraries throughout her career. 

Although Brigitte never had any biological children, she was fully involved in the lives of her siblings as well as her many nephews and nieces. She always followed up on their accomplishments and spent time with them during their many visits. She was a devoted animal lover, having a menagerie of dogs, cats, and an occasional Guinea pig. Brigitte enjoyed creating and sending loved ones the most exquisite cards right when they needed a pick-me-up, comforting, or pat-on-the -back. 

On November 10, 2001, Brigitte married John Curtis. The two made a life in Plainfield, Illinois until they moved to North Manchester, Indiana, in 2016. Once arriving, Brigitte enjoyed sitting and talking with her grandchildren about their lives, accomplishments, and cherished the times holding her great-granddaughter. Despite her own severe health challenges during the last few years, which she faced with courage, strength, and hope. 

The loving memory of Brigitte Curtis will be forever cherished by her husband, John Curtis, North Manchester; sons, Jeff (Julie) Curtis and James (Lori) Curtis, both of North Manchester; daughter, Carole (Richard) Weller, Plainfield, Illinois; siblings, George (Diana) Lauffer, Ray (Leah Brashear) Lauffer, both of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Sarah (Doug) Long, Copperas Cove, Texas; nieces Elizabeth Long, Carly (Yoshi) Yoshitani ,Christyn (Josh) Byler, nephews Micheal (Erin) Lauffer, Robert Long, Justin Lauffer, Brandon Gardner; great-niece, Linea Lauffer; great-nephews Kuhlin Byler, Gentery Byler and Noah Yoshitani; grandchildren, Jimmy (Kaylee) Curtis, Zac Curtis, Cody Curtis, Katherine Weller, and Jordan Weller; and one great-grandchild, Valkyrie Curtis. Brigitte was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Franz Lauffer; and an infant sister.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations be made in her memory to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, 28 West 44th Street, Suite 609, New York, New York 10036, or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, Maryland 21741 or ALS Association, P.O. Box 37022 Bone, Iowa 50037, or Wabash County Animal Shelter, 810 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, or any other charities of your choice.

The family of Brigitte Curtis has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.