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Courtney Utt Obituary
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Courtney Utt, who died at home in San Francisco on March 31st, 2014, after years of a brave fight against brain cancer.
Born in San Diego, California, in 1977, she received her B.A. in Fine Art/Photography from the University of California at Santa Cruz in 1998. After moving to San Francisco, she went on to work as a visual designer and photographer for a notable portfolio of clients, from publishers to record labels to restaurants, on a number of award-winning projects.
More than for her professional accomplishments, however, Courtney will be remembered by those who knew her for her warm friendship, her fiery charisma, her intelligence and her confidence. Her friends were her family, and she gave of herself unstintingly and without question, always looking for ways to help those she cared for.
An inveterate traveler with an unquenchable curiosity, Courtney's broad range of interests spanned everything from good food and wine to architecture to Japanese culture to tinkering with her vintage Honda motorcycles. She was also a dedicated photographer and an avid gardener, spending as much of her time as possible at the Dearborn Community Gardens.
Fearless and fearsomely competent, she drew people to her and made friends wherever she went. She is deeply loved and her bright presence in the world is greatly missed.
Donations in Courtney's memory may be made to the University of California at San Francisco's Brain Tumor Research Center.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Courtney Utt
Keith Ensign
April 5, 2025
I miss you dear friend. I think of you often.
JC
March 27, 2025
Still thinking of her, will always.
Irma y Tamayo
May 3, 2024
I met her in the 6th grade very Cool freind I met her parents and brother we went to Encanto Elementary school. I can not believe she is gone now.. I am glad to have met her she definitely left an imprint on my heart!
k
April 6, 2022
I still miss you dear friend.
Marux Paredes
July 11, 2020
Courtney was my neighbor and although I barely knew her I am glad that I got to briefly spend time with her because she was an amazing and sweet person. I always remember you and I am sorry I didn't get to say goodbye. X Marux
mom
November 30, 2017
Courtney was my daughter. I think of her when I wake up and when I go to sleep, and I feel lucky to have had a wonderful girl to remember. There are still tears, sometimes Andrew and I laugh about her, sometimes I call him fretting about not being all she wanted me to be. I'm sorry, Court. Know that I loved you. You were my girl. Miss you each day...
April 20, 2017
You are missed, everyday.
February 15, 2015
thinking of you every day :)
February 13, 2015
dear Nancie and Roger.. How I got in to this website and had a pang of recognition for this very talented woman is absurd. Helping my daughter find interesting photos for her art class and stumbled literally on the passing of your daughter. My heart goes out to u both. I don't know if u even remember me but I remember u and of course Roger. Please know that I am thinking of u both and the joys and sorrows our children give us are immeasureable.. My love to u both marilyn kagan
Laura Pickering
May 1, 2014
I recently found out that Courtney passed away and am deeply saddened. I had the pleasure of directing her work at Landor back in 2011 and we stayed in touch periodically. She was a source of laughter and smiles everyday during that time. My deepest condolences to her friends and family.
my little girl
April 23, 2014
Joe Avenatti
April 22, 2014
Courtney was a fellow brain cancer survivor and I am so saddened by her passing, as she was so cheerful and approached her life with such joyful abandon despite her terminal illness. I will always remember her beauty,both inside and out...
April 15, 2014
Life is but a brief, brief candle, and with Courtney it burned bright! Had the pleasure of working with her in San Francisco. She was very loved and playfully intelligent. -JW
April 15, 2014
Thank you for such kind and thoughtful words.
Nancie Greenfield
Courtney's mom
Courtney with cousin Zane in Chicago Dec, 2013
Mindy Faber
April 14, 2014
Tom Colthurst
April 14, 2014
Courtney's family: We just learned of Courtney's death and want to express our deepest sympathy. It was my honor to have coached her in soccer in the 1980s. Our son Brendan was her teammate. Tom & Alice Colthurst
April 14, 2014
My condolences to courtney's family. I attended OLP with Courtney and I remember her always being happy, creative and as if there wasn't a worry in the world. She was a friend to everyone. May peace be with you courtney. Amy OLP 1995
Cheron
April 14, 2014
I am grateful to have met Courtney and to have experienced her strength and generosity. I wish the comfort of memories to all those who loved her.
April 14, 2014
unfortunately sometimes the brightest lights dont shine for as long. Hopefully you are finally finding peace. thinking of you.
April 14, 2014
So Sorry to hear of your premature passing Courtney.. You will always be remembered with a smile on your face and a Mischievous twinkle in your eye.. Prayers and Good thoughts to your family and friends. Nazare' Freitas Judd, OLP class of 96
Katie Chadwick
April 14, 2014
You were a beautiful, inspiring, and completely original human being. Gone way too soon.
Julie Casson
April 14, 2014
Sending you love and light my friend. I cherish the time we had together.
Patti Frazao
April 14, 2014
Courtney was a friend of my daughter, Krissy Frazao, during Junior High and high school. During that time she was a frequent guest and almost like another daughter. I loved her so much and remember her creativity and gentle, loving spirit.
Heidi and Bernie Blotner
April 13, 2014
Our thoughts, love and deepest sympathy are with family and friends. May Courtney's memory be a blessing.
April 13, 2014
My dear friend, I will miss you and love you forever.
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