Helen Elisabeth ‘Betty’ Buerge Curtis

May 18, 1933 – October 26, 2025

Helen Elisabeth “Betty” Buerge Curtis passed away peacefully at her home in Lakewood, California, on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at the age of 92.

Betty was born May 18, 1933, in Santa Monica, California, to Maurice and Helen Buerge. She grew up in the Pacific Palisades and spent 86 wonderful years living on Radcliffe Avenue—just seven doors down from her parents’ home where she was raised. Earlier this year, her beloved home, which she sold in 2019, miraculously survived the January fires, a blessing that truly reflected the family’s continuing resilient spirit for the Palisades.

On May 23, 1954, Betty married John Stephen Curtis in Santa Monica, celebrating their wedding—a joyful day that captured her love of people and life itself. They were divorced when John passed in March 2003.

She is lovingly survived by her four children: Joyce Ann Curtis, Kristine Elisabeth Curtis (partner with Kelly Harrah), Mary Helen Curtis, Steven Maurice Curtis (partner with Richard Green), and her additional adored Kevin Smith. Betty (BaBa) was also a proud grandmother to Caroline Elizabeth Mueller (married to Brad Halland), and Timothy Alexander Mueller (married to Nicole Herold), and a great-grandmother to Ivy Elizabeth Halland, Lakyn Marie Halland, Maze River Mueller, and Major Alexander Mueller—each one a light in her heart.

Betty is also survived by her brothers John Buerge (married to Joy) and Bill Buerge, and was predeceased by her sister Susan Buerge Stanyk, and her beloved parents Maurice and Helen Buerge who were Ford dealers.

Betty attended Palisades Elementary School in 1938 with Mrs. Gabrielson as her kindergarten teacher. Betty’s daughter, Joyce, also had the same teacher 21 years later in 1959. Betty attended Emerson Jr High and University High in WLA.

At the age of 15, she bravely battled polio in Children’s Hospital. Although it changed her path, it never dimmed her light. Her strength to walk again was unmatched. Bedridden for many years, she moved to Lakewood to be closer to her two youngest daughters and son, continuing to live joyfully, and on her own terms.

Betty’s passion was bridge—and everyone who knew her, knew it well! She was a proud Ruby Life Master of the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL), collecting more than 1,750 master points since 1970. Her love of the game took her to Hawaii, across the U.S. to Atlanta and Tennessee, Las Vegas, Arizona, and throughout California. Her favorite club was in Long Beach, where she and Bill McClean played every Tuesday until her passing.

Betty was a true social butterfly. Her spirit made others feel instantly welcome to join her. She wore bright colors, stylish hats, large gold-rimmed sunglasses, with rings on every finger and bracelets up each arm. Her home was showered with “Betty Boop” memorabilia. Her signature was a cup of coffee in hand. When she was out in public, people often thought she was a movie star—and in many ways, she was.

Betty lived a long, full life defined by love for her family and had lasting friendships. Loretta was her pen pal for over 20 years, sharing weekly handwritten letters. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends, but her joyful energy and shining presence will live on in every memory shared, every game of bridge played and every cup of coffee enjoyed in her honor.

Donations can be made in her name to the Pacific Palisades Historical Society at pacificpalisadeshistory.org.

A celebration of her life will be held in December, by RSVP. For more information, please contact Joyce at 310-259-0680.