COLLEEN KURTZ

December 4, 1939 – August 5, 2025 Dear wife of Larry Kurtz; devoted mother of Jacob (Jacqueline), and David (Amanda); doting grandmother to Carter and Claudia Kurtz. Colleen was the daughter of Edward and Genevieve Malone, of Sault Ste. Marie, ON, and grew up as the second oldest of six children in a loving family whose life was devoted to music in all forms, the church, and community service. She is survived by sisters, Carolann Pagnucco, Karen (Jean-Marie) Allard, and Patty (Leo) Gartshore, all of Sault Ste. Marie; by brother, Michael (Patricia) Malone, of Hamilton; and many nieces and nephews. From an early age, Colleen studied the piano, and before leaving high school had earned her ARCT from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. She then went on to study Modern Languages and Literature at the University of Toronto, where she found a wonderful college home with the Sisters of St. Joseph at St. Michael's College and where she was very active in campus life, student government, and college musicals. In summer breaks, she worked as a reporter for the Sault Daily Star. After completing her B.A. at U of T, she set sail for France and two years of language and literature studies at Strasbourg University. On her return from Europe, she began a varied career in teaching, at Woodsworth College (U of T), with the Ontario Government (Intergovernmental Affairs), and translation work from home in her sons' early years. She also found time to complete an M.A. From U of T. In 1970, she married Larry Kurtz at Hart House in Toronto and together the couple lived at New College until 1978, when they moved to Hamilton. Married life became a lively, busy round of child-rearing, travel, Colleen's career outside the house, weekending at vacation retreats the couple built in Grey County and later French Bay on Lake Huron - where Colleen never tired of the spectacular sunsets. Colleen was always an avid reader and lifelong learner; she hunted down interesting workshops on child development from Boston to Lake Tahoe, and twice travelled to Provo, Utah, for summer organ workshops with the Mormons! In retirement, Colleen and Larry joined Friendship Force International and travelled the world together home-hosted by members of that organization, and in turn received guests for extended stays in their own home from all four corners of the globe. Between times, they enjoyed winter breaks in Florida and Myrtle Beach, and cruises that took them as far afield as St. Petersburg and the Magellan Straits at the tip of South America. Colleen truly believed that her 85 years on this earth were a very special and wonderful gift, and even the medical trials of her final year could not shake that belief. She will be sorely missed by family and friends. Interment has taken place at the Grove Cemetery in Dundas, ON. Family, friends, and acquaintances are invited to a Celebration of Colleen's Life in the party room of 1770 Main St. West, Hamilton, from 2–5 p.m., on Saturday, September 27. Condolences may be left at www.circleoflifecbc.com