Mary Ellen Curley-Reed's Obituary
Mary Ellen Sandberg Curley-Reed, 68, was pronounced dead on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, after passing in the comfort of her home in Tucson, Arizona. She had just celebrated her birthday on July 12.
Born in Cincinnati in 1957 to the late Patricia Brennan and Edmund Sandberg, Mary was raised in Chicago, Illinois, but spent most of her life in the Nashville, Tennessee area, where she graduated from Father Ryan High School.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Reed.
Mary is survived by her three brothers and sisters-in-law: Harlan and Diane Sandberg of Arizona, and Don and Ann Sandberg of New York, and Paul and Stephanie Sandberg of Illinois.
She was the mother of two sons and a daughter. They are David Curley and his wife Mallory, Kevin Curley and his partner Tracey Hackett – all of Tennessee – and Bethie Wood and her husband Josh of Washington State.
She and her family attended St. Henry Catholic Church in Nashville.
Known as Granmary to her 10 grandchildren, she was proud of them all and loved to share stories about them. They are Felix, Simon, Ben, Malcolm, Henry and Rose Curley, and Belle, Devon, David and Aurora Wood. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Mary worked for more than 20 years at The Home Depot in Bellevue, Tennessee, where she was known for her kindness, dedication, and customer service. She always greeted people with a smile. In her free time, she enjoyed many hobbies, including genealogy, crafting handmade items such as candles and Christmas ornaments, reading, watching movies, and playing Pokémon Go with family and friends.
Memorial services will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?