Danell Marie Currigan, 53, of Bolivar, Missouri, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2023.  Danell was born on September 26, 1969, in Kansas City, Missouri to Thomas and Jerrlea Currigan.  At the age of eight, she moved with her family to Clever, Missouri where she attended school at Green Valley State School. Since the age of 13, Danell has been a long-time resident of the Mashburn Residential Care Facility in Bolivar.

Danell is preceded in death by her father, Thomas John Currigan and her Grandmother Helen M. Costello.  She is survived by her mother, Jerrlea Costello Currigan of St. Peters, Missouri; her brother Thomas M. Currigan (Dawna); her sister, Hallie R. Currigan; niece Alexis Currigan and nephew Michael Currigan.

Although Danell did not have the ability to walk or talk, she brought immense joy to her immediate and extended Mashburn family, or anyone who encountered her, with a childlike innocence, a sweet smile and infectious laugh.

The Currigan family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to Linda Mashburn, Dawnya Mashburn and all her wonderful caregivers over the years for their love and expert care of Danell.

A celebration of life Mass will be held at a later date at St. Joseph’s Church in Cottleville, Missouri.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to AMBUCS an organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities by inspiring mobility and independence. (AMBUCS – Bolivar Chapter, 4586 S. 116^th Road, Bolivar, MO 65613 or via PayPal @Bolivarambucs, please include Danell Currigan in memo or message line.)

Heaven’s Very Special Child

A meeting was held quite far from Earth.

“It’s time again for another birth,”

Said the Angels to the Lord above,

“This special child will need much love.

Her progress may seem very slow,

And she’ll require extra care

From the folks she meets way down there.
She may not run or laugh or play

Her thoughts may seem quite far away,

In many ways she won’t adapt,

And she’ll be known as handicapped.

So let’s be careful where she’s sent

We want her life to be content.

Please, Lord, find the parents who

Will do a special job for you.

They will not realize right away

The leading role they’re asked to play,

But with this child sent from above

Comes stronger faith and richer love.

And soon they’ll know the privilege given

In caring for this gift from Heaven,

Their precious charge, so meek and mild

Is Heaven’s very special child!”