Helen Elisabeth “Betty” Buerge Curtis, born May 18, 1933, in Santa Monica, passed away October 26, 2025, at the age of 92. A beloved Radcliffe neighbor, she was bedridden for many years and had moved to Lakewood to be closer to her two youngest daughters and son, continuing to live joyfully, and on her own terms.
Betty grew up in the Pacific Palisades and spent 86 wonderful years living on Radcliffe Avenue — just seven doors down from her parents’ home, Maurice and Helen Buerge, 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 families continuing resilient spirit for the Palisades.
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 until at the age of 15, when 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.
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. John passed away in March 2003.
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 US 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.
She 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 brackets up each arm.
Her Radcliffe 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. Betty 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.
She is lovingly survived by her four children: Joyce Ann Curtis, Kristine Elisabeth Curtis, Mary Helen Curtis, Steven Maurice Curtis, and her additional adored Kevin Smith. Betty (BaBa) was also a proud grandmother to Caroline Elizabeth Mueller (Brad Halland) and Timothy Alexander Mueller (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 and Bill Buerge, and was predeceased by her sister Susan Buerge Stanyk, and her beloved parents Maurice and Helen Buerge who were Ford dealers.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Pacific Palisades Historical Society click here.
A celebration of her life will be held in December, by RSVP. For more information, please contact Joyce at (310) 259-0680.