A Celebration Of Life: Dorothy Kurtz
June 26, 1927- March 13, 2022
Home at last. Passed away peacefully in her 95th year, with her family by her side. Loving wife, best friend and ‘tweety’ of the late Wilfred (Willie) L. Kurtz (June 27, 2021). Dedicated mother to Bradley Kurtz (Lisa), Dayle Toscan (Frank) and Allison Hedges (Darren). Adoring Grandma to Chelsey Young (Caitlyn), Brendan Kurtz (Stephanie), Justine Giosa (Andrew), Jordan Toscan (Anja), Dylan Toscan (Laura Krizan), Julia Toscan (Geoff Hiebert), Jocelyn Hedges and Reese Hedges. A proud Great-Grandma to Gideon, Ivy-Rose, Sawyer, Olivia and Gabriel. Reunited in heaven with her 6 brothers and sisters Robert (Audrey), Bessie (Charlie), Samuel, Margaret (Don), William, and Helen, her parents Samuel and Evelyn Reek and best friends Betty and Leo Heffernan. Survived by her sisters-in-law Dorothy Mast and Marie Reek, and brother-in-law Delmer Walters.
Dorothy lived each and every day with a heart full of love and gratitude. She brought people together in faith, family, friendship and community.
Following her mother’s example, Dorothy was a devoted member of Brooklyn Mission which evolved into Harcourt United Church, sharing her love for Jesus as a Sunday school teacher, and singing her favourite hymns from the pews.
Dorothy chased Willie until he caught her at age 29, and was his partner in all things – marriage, parenthood, the farm, euchre, dancing and travel. Her children were the center of her universe, and they felt it every day. She showed them how to work hard, be kind and generous, always do your best, and stay humble. As a grandma, Dorothy taught her grandchildren how to bake a perfect banana muffin, how to savour a hot cup of tea and a good conversation, to appreciate life’s simple moments like a walk down the lane, and to always be in awe of God’s creation. Always with a listening ear, Dorothy was the friend you always needed and made new friendships everywhere she went.
Small, but mighty, Dot was the glue that kept her family strong and laughing with her quick wit and good sense of humor. She was the life of the party, opening her home, for many celebrations filled with good food, great music, and lots of fun and games—and don’t forget the pickles.
Dorothy was an inspiring woman who was proud of her career as a switchboard operator at Bell Telephone, and a bookkeeper and secretary at Kurtz Produce. She gave back to her community through her charitable work at Hopewell Children’s Homes and as a volunteer secretary of the Ponsonby Women’s Institute for over 30 years.
To have known and loved Dorothy was a true gift. “Aren’t we lucky”.
“Farewell dear children my life is past. I dearly loved you to the last. Mourn not for me or sorrow take. But ‘love’ each other for my sake.” (written in the front cover of Dorothy’s bible).
The family would like to extend a thank you to Dorothy’s wonderful in-home care giving team, especially Ena, Urmila and Rachael, who treated Dorothy with tender love and care right until the very end. A special thank you to Dr. Anna Issakoff-Meller for her ongoing support.
The family will receive friends at Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon Street, Guelph, on Friday, March 18, 2022 from 3:00 pm- 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm- 9:00 pm. Masks are mandatory.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at Harcourt United Church, 87 Dean Avenue, Guelph, at 11:00 am.A live streaming link will be located on the funeral home website. Following the service there will be a celebration of life reception in the church gymnasium.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to would be appreciated by the family to Autism Canada, Hopewell Children’s Homes or Parkinson Canada. Cards available at the funeral home or online at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com.
