Barbara Ryle Curtin, 71, of Burlington, Vt., passed away peacefully on August 6, 2026, at her longtime home at Ethan Allen Residence, surrounded in her final days by her loving siblings and cared for by the dedicated staff and Bayada hospice team.
Barb was born on September 1, 1954, at the U.S. Army hospital in Landstuhl, West Germany, the daughter of Army Sergeant First Class James Curtin and Mrs. Ruth (Denning) Curtin. She spent her early childhood moving with her Army family between Europe and the United States. While living in Metz, France, Barb was known as the “American Princess,” a title that stayed with her throughout her life. In 1964, Barb returned to Burlington, which remained her home for the rest of her life.
Barb graduated from South Burlington High School in 1972 and from Trinity College with honors in 1976. She worked throughout high school and college, most memorably at the Howard Johnson’s on Shelburne Road. She loved to tell the story of finishing her shifts covered in ice cream — especially chocolate. After college, she briefly taught second grade in Bennington.
Barb’s life was profoundly affected by serious mental health challenges, yet she continued to live independently and find ways to contribute and stay connected to her community. She volunteered with the American Cancer Society, the University of Vermont Medical Center, Starr Farm Road, Birchwood Nursing Home and at local road races. She always wanted to be useful and involved.
Barb had an extraordinary memory and a remarkable curiosity about the world. She loved St. Patrick’s Day, dogs — especially her own dog, Dutchess — politics, history, trivia and sports. She was a devoted New York Giants fan. One of her favorite memories was a trip to see the Giants defeat the Washington Commanders (formerly known as Redskins). Her siblings often turned to her when they needed an answer to something, as she seemed to remember just about everything.
Barb was supported by Howard Family Services for five decades and spent 25 years at Ethan Allen Residence, where she became known as the “Queen of Trivia.” She enjoyed the activities and entertainment there and even sang “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” at a Christmas party.
She cherished the staff who cared for her, outings with her siblings, scenic drives, and, most of all, keeping up with the lives of her nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews.
Barb was predeceased by her parents and her brother Tim. She is survived by two brothers and a sister: David Curtin (Edna) of Barnet, Vt.; Paula Tarrant (David) of Newton, Mass.; and Michael Curtin (Gail) of Fayston, Vt. Barb always loved her nieces and nephews and always kept track of their activities: Dan Tarrant (Carrie) of Wellesley, Mass.; Kevin Tarrant (Lindsay) of Chatham, N.J.; Meghan Curtin of Claremont, N.H.; Bridget Curtin of Saratoga, N.Y.; and Sean Curtin (Courtney) of Fayston, Vt. Barb was very interested in her grandnieces and nephews: Juliet, Christine, Miles, Han, and Lucy Tarrant and, a very recent arrival, Harper Grace Curtin.
The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 11 a.m., at Saint Anthony’s Church in Burlington. Committal rites and burial will follow in Resurrection Park in South Burlington, where she will be laid to rest next to her parents.
Barb’s family wants to thank all the doctors, nurses and other medical staff who supported Barb through the years and in her difficult final weeks. Howard Family Services; Ethan Allen Residence staff; Barb’s primary doctor, Dr. Sandoval; and Barb’s team from Bayada Hospice served our sister very well. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made for the Ethan Allen Residence to the Living Well Group, 10 Heaton St., Montpelier, VT 05602. To share memories and photos and to send online condolences to the family, please visit readyfuneral.com.