HARDWICK – On March 4, Marie A. Curschmann Sholan passed away peacefully, bringing to a close a life that began on October 23, 1932. She was born to Freida (Sand) and Linus Ackermann, both immigrants from Germany.
After beginning their family in Pennsylvania, which included Marie and her siblings Rosemary and Albert, the family later moved to New York, where she graduated from Andrew Jackson High School in Queens Village, N.Y. In 1953 she married her high school sweetheart, Christian Henry Curschmann Jr., and moved to Peekskill, N.Y., beginning the life they built together and later to Putnam Valley. There they raised their four children, Lesa Cathcart (Curschmann) and sons Christian Henry Curschmann III, Craig Curschmann, and Alan Curschmann, while operating Curschmann’s Country Store in Putnam Valley and Curschmann’s Lakefront Diner in Lake Peekskill. They became well known for catering many local events, serving their community while raising their family.
Chris and Marie moved to Hardwick in 1984, where she began the next chapter of her life. After Chris passed in 1986 she worked at the Hardwick Liquor Store and the Hardwick Electric Department where she met Larry Sholan, whom she married in 1993. Together they enjoyed playing cards with friends and snowbirding in Florida during the winter months.
Marie was known for her elegance, strong presence and unmistakable personality. Outspoken, poised and proud, she carried herself with style and confidence that left a lasting impression. She enjoyed bird watching, puzzles, sewing, needlework, reading and took immense pride in her flower gardens. She was also a familiar face at the local bingo hall.
Marie was predeceased by her husband, Christian Henry Curschmann Jr.; her sons Christian Henry Curschmann III and Craig Curschmann; her brother Albert Ackermann; her sister Rosemary Gilmartin; and her husband Larry Sholan. She is survived by her children, Lesa Cathcart (Curschmann) and Alan Curschmann; her 10 grandchildren, Christian Curschmann VI, Nathan Curschmann, Nicole Curschmann, Tiffany Cathcart, Charles Cathcart, Craig Curschmann Jr., Samantha Curschmann, Matthew Curschmann, Malissa Curschmann, and Aileen Curschmann; and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, June 5, at 2 p.m., in Fairview Cemetery, Hardwick. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at the Hardwick American Legion Post No. 7. Arrangements are with des Groseilliers Funeral Home. Condolences and memories of Marie may be shared with her family at dgfunerals.com.
Those who knew Marie remember her unmistakable elegance and strong spirit. If you were fortunate enough to know her, admire her or cross her path, the family invites you to honor her memory in a simple way. In lieu of donations, plant a flower in her honor and when it blooms, think of her.
