Tributes to shirtmaker to the rich and famous killed in Ingoldisthorpe crash

Tom Bristow Thursday, March 21, 2013
3:58 PM

A grandmother killed in a crash on December 30 has left a “huge hole” in many lives, her family said today.

Irene Curran, 77, died following a three-vehicle crash at Ingoldisthorpe on the Lynn Road.

The grandmother-of-two, who was originally from Italy, had retired to Norfolk after working in London’s fashion industry.

Mrs Curran had two sons and a daughter.

She made shirts for the rich and famous in the capital including for Mick Jagger and Cliff Richard.

Mrs Curran came to England in the 1950s to start a new life and, her family said that although she always retained her Mediterranean personality, she was fiercely proud of being a British citizen.

In a statement released today, her family said: “Never one to stay still for long, though, she continued her creative flair through knitting and quilting as well as sharing her knowledge by teaching others at craft classes.

“She loved German shepherd dogs and had them as pets for most of her adult life. She joked that her latest dog, Kara, received more Christmas cards than she did.

“Her untimely and tragic passing has left a huge hole in her family.

“She was a strong woman who always looked life in the eye and never blinked. Her two sons, daughter-in-law and two grandsons mourn her loss as does the community at large.”

Mrs Curran, who had two sons and a daughter, moved to Snettisham 14 years ago to pursue a more sedate life.

The crash happened on the B1140 Lynn Road, Ingoldisthorpe, north-east of King’s Lynn, at around 5pm on December 30.

It involved a blue Ford Ka, a red Suzuki Ignis and a white Ford Transit van.

Mrs Curran was driving the Suzuki and was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn, but later died.

Anyone who witnessed the collision should contact Norfolk’s Serious Collision Investigation Team on 101.