Former board member views War Memorial as enriching institution

The War Memorial is a place that has enriched Beverly Curtiss-Walsh's life. The main factor? The people.  

“I was able to work with wonderful people to make a difference in Grosse Pointe and in the surrounding community,” the former War Memorial Board of Directors member said. “To see what we imagined for The War Memorial actually coming through was incredible. The War Memorial makes a difference in this community.” 

Her first experiences at The War Memorial would have been when her children Brian and Jill, attended school dances, Ski-Hi, and driver education classes. 

“My first impression of The War Memorial was that it was very well run,” Curtiss-Walsh said. “It is a beautiful spot.”  

After being so impressed by the organization, she joined The War Memorial board from 2010-2018.

“There were several people on the nominating committee that knew me,” she said in response to how it came about for her to be on the board. “I felt like being on the board was a way to do good for the community.” 

Curtiss-Walsh notes that some years on the board required more of a time commitment than others. 

“When we were looking at hiring a new president, I was chair of the search committee,” she said. 

It was her experience of being on the search committee that is what Curtiss-Walsh is most proud of. 

“We found our wonderful chairman,” she said. 

Looking back on the 2010s at The War Memorial, Curtiss-Walsh said the opening of the Patriot Theater was a milestone. 

“We were able to get the theater going and that was a real positive addition,” she commented. “It was a revamped and refreshed theater with new seats. It brought in a lot of wonderful movies, entertainment and speakers. It became much more of a community center.”  

For Curtiss-Walsh, since The War Memorial offers such a variety of opportunities for all ages, there’s nothing like it in Grosse Pointe. 

“Many people and organizations call it their home, like the Men’s Club, The Family Center and the Grosse Pointe Artists Association,” she said. “The War Memorial has really stepped up in their support of veterans, and the veterans are coming more.”    

We invite you to join Beverly – honor her theme of service, gratitude, and generosity by getting involved at The War Memorial. You can join our volunteer ranks, donate to one of our incredible funds, or support The War Memorial by attending one of our upcoming events or classes!

As we wrap up our 75th anniversary, The War Memorial thanks those who have shared their stories about the impact and experiences they have had at our nonprofit organization. To view past Stories of Impact, visit here.