Miss Curtois, who was born at the Longhills, Branston, in 1854 was the eldest daughter of the late Rev Atwill Curtois (for 21 years Rector of Branston and the fifth of the family to be rector there), and a brother of the Rev Algernon Curtois of Lincoln. Her mother was the second daughter of the Rev DH Lee Warner of Walsingham Abbey.
When the rector died in 1868 the family moved to Bedford and subsequently (in 1876) to Washingborough Manor. Miss Curtois studied at the Lincoln School of Art and later at the celebrated Julien Studio in Paris. One of her finest works, 'The descent from the cross' is now at Waplow; and she is represented in the Usher gallery, Lincoln, by a fine painting of the Lincoln County Hospital which has been exhibited at the Royal Academy and the Paris Salon, and which hangs near the sculpture of the boy playing marbles, the work of her sister, Miss Florence Curtois. She presented the picture when on a visit to her brother last June.
Miss Curtois was a member of the Forum Club, London, and, in addition to her reputation as an artist, was well known as a lecturer.
Her passing was particularly sad in its suddenness, for when in Lincoln in June, although then but recently recovered from a severe illness, she seemed in excellent health.
On Wednesday a short funeral service was conducted at Little Missendon, near Chesham, by the Rev WH Davis, vicar. The Rev Huntley Curtois (brother) read the lesson. The hymns "Peace, perfect peace" and "The ? of God" were sung. There was a large congregation and many wreaths were received.
The body was conveyed to Branston, for 200 years the home of the Curtois family, by motor hearse, and a further service took place at Branston on Thursday. The Rector (Rev JJR Pells) officiated in the church, and the Rev Algernon Curtois (brother) at the grave.
The family mourners were Miss Margaret Curtois of Westminster (sister), Mr Lisle Curtois of St. Leonards (brother), the Rev Huntley Curtois of Norwich and the Rev Algernon Curtois of Lincoln (brothers), Miss Edith Curtois of London (sister) and Miss Beryl Curtois of Bedford (cousin).
The hymns "Let saints on earth", "How sweet the name" and "Jesu, lover of my soul" and the psalm "I said I would take heed to my ways" were sung. Mr Simpson, who had come specially from Nottingham for the purpose, was at the organ, and played "O rest in the Lord" as the cortege left the church.
The bearers were Messrs Pearson, J Walker, G Walker, and Harrison (formerly a gardener for the family at the Manor House).
The internment took place at Branston in the new churchyard, Miss Curtois being laid to rest at the side of her father and mother.
A wealth of floral tributes were laid upon the grave. Those wreaths from the sisters were white, and those from the sisters(?) red and gold (the Autumnal tints.)