In Memoriam: Rachelle Curran

	Rachelle Curran

Lighting&Sound America has learned of the death of Rachelle Ann Aline Curran, who, as a staff member at Ultratec Special Effects, was a well-known and popular member of the industry. She passed away, after a long illness, at 50.

According to her official obituary:

"Rachelle was the beloved daughter of Angele Allard and Maurice Allard and beloved bonus daughter to Karen Allard (Momma K). She was also a treasured daughter-in-law to Robyne and Adrian Curran.

"She was the devoted wife of Christopher (Chippa) Curran and a loving mother to Cynthia (Jordan), Christopher, and Corian (Daniel). As well as a cherished bonus mom to Isabelle (Thiago), Jack (Ana), and Nathan.

"Her greatest joy came from being a grandmother to her grandbabies Gabriel, Scarlett, and Emilia, whom she adored endlessly.

"Rachelle shared a deep bond with her siblings: Rebecca (Gregory), Candice (Nick), Ethan, Christina (Tyler), and her soul sister Tara (Derrick).

"Rachelle was also a beloved aunt, niece, and cousin to many, touching the lives of all who knew her with her warmth, kindness, humor, and unwavering love.

"Rachelle was a fighter through her health journey often referencing 'Hulk Smash' in regard to her strength, resilience, and ability to keep fighting to the very end. In her last moments, she was surrounded by her family, closest friends, and an abundance of love."

In a moving tribute posted on Facebook, Ultratec founders and owners Adrian Segeren and Marnie Styles wrote:

"Rachelle came to Ultratec Special Effects in 2010 and made it her mission to know everything she could about our theatrical atmospheric effects products. Every position she held, whether in customer service, operations, or sales, gave her the opportunity to learn procedures and practices at a detailed level. Once she learned them, she worked to improve them. Yet, the systems were not where Rachelle contributed the most.

"People engagement was her superpower. Owners, co-workers, and customers could count on Rachelle to bring the caring and humor that made working with Ultratec productive and enjoyable. When it came time several years ago to codify Ultratec's core values, we chose dedication and passion, customer first, integrity, reputation, and fun. From the beginning, it was clear that Rachelle was the poster child for those values."

A funeral was held for Curran on March 8. Her burial, with a reception to follow, will take place in Winnipeg, Manitoba, at a date to be announced.