Accident takes the life of junior Jill Curran while she was studying abroad in London

By Michael Moeschler

To her friends and family she was known as Little Jill, Jilly Bean and Beaner. At just over five feet tall and 100 pounds, Jill Curran's petite frame supported an endless spirit of beauty and compassion.

Curran, a Santa Clara junior, was studying abroad through Syracuse University in London, England when she was struck by a bus near Hyde Park the morning of Sept. 10. Surrounded by her sisters and parents, Curran succumbed to her injuries on Sept. 13 at London's National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery.

Laura Werkheiser, a junior at Santa Clara and friend of Curran, was with her at the time of the accident. Werkheiser believes Curran forgot that London traffic runs on the left-hand side of the street and unknowingly looked in the other direction as she crossed the street.

With her bright smile, Curran radiated a sincere nature and openness that welcomed all those that entered into her life, said those who knew her best. "Jill had the incredible ability to share herself whole heartedly with every single person that she encountered," said friend Julia Holstlaw, junior. "Her smile and energy had an endless effect on each and every one of us that was graced by her presence."

Whether it was walks to Yummy Yogurt, dinners at Mio Vicino, nighttime chats before bed, sing-a-longs in the car or dancing in dorm rooms, Curran's infectious lust for life reminded friends that even the smallest things can be the biggest sources of joy.

"Whoever had the good fortune of crossing paths with Jill was instantaneously awed by her charm, grace and wit," said Werkheiser.

Jill's disarming nature was present every time she greeted one of her friends. Junior Molly Komo will remember the warm smile and kind voice that greeted friends both on and off campus. "Jill shined her light on every person's path, constantly extending her sincere love with that great big smile which she never went anywhere without," she said. Only 20 years old, Curran possessed a mature character that many of her friends admired. "Her love for life and her contagiously happy spirit have always inspired me so much," said friend Christie Tomasello, junior. "I have never met someone as strong-willed and positive as little Jilly in all my life."

Curran studied marketing at Santa Clara and was a member of the Retail Management Institute where she was selected to the board this year. She was also an active member of the Delta Gamma sorority. A private memorial service was held Monday night at the Delta Gamma house.

"Jill was a remarkable individual and an amazing friend," said Delta Gamma president Tara Seracka. "Her constant grace, compassion, and love for life are an inspiration to everyone that knew her. We are all better people to have been blessed with her friendship."

A memorial service was held at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Church in London on Sept. 17. In a compelling display of community and support, about 30 SCU students who were studying throughout Europe at the time of the accident traveled to London for the service. "The church was packed," said Werkheiser. "It was emotional, horrible and beautiful all at the same time. It brought closure and was a time to heal and remember."

Jill Curran is survived by her parents John and Judy Curran, her sisters Jennifer Curran, of Seattle and Jodie Curran, of San Francisco, and Grandfather Allan Strang, of Seattle.

A noon memorial service is scheduled for Oct. 14 at Mission Santa Clara.