Joanne M. Kurtz

February 2, 1933 - September 20, 2023

Bellingham, Washington - Joanne Marie Kurtz (née Bornstein) passed away while surrounded by family on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, after a brief fight with cancer. A woman of incomparable spirit, enthusiasm, and zest for life, she had an unbounded love for her family that we will draw upon forever as we mourn her loss.

Joanne was born in Bellingham on February 2, 1933, to Teresa C. Bornstein (née Tiscornia) and Myer A. Bornstein. The oldest of six children, Joanne grew up in Bellingham as part of a large extended family.

She attended Assumption Catholic School, Fairhaven Junior High School, and Bellingham High School, graduating in 1950. She then enrolled at Colorado Women's College and later Seattle University, graduating in 1954 with a bachelor of science degree. After college, she embarked on a 40-year career as a medical technologist, working for Gibb Lab, St. Joseph Hospital Lab, and Northwest Medical Center Lab.

On May 25, 1957, Joanne married F. Stephen "Steve" Kurtz. Together they had six children and over 40 years of loving partnership until Steve's death in 1997.

Joanne was a participant in numerous groups and activities at Church of the Assumption and Sacred Heart Catholic Church, a founder of the Bellingham Community Meal Program, a volunteer for Hospice of Whatcom County, a volunteer for the Red Cross Disaster Action Team, and a volunteer for countless other events and programs.

She loved spending time with her grandchildren, to whom she will always be "Grandma Jo." She never failed to celebrate each grandchild's uniqueness, worthiness, and beauty, and to be their loudest cheerleader.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, younger brother Anton "Andy" Bornstein, and husband F. Stephen "Steve" Kurtz. She is survived by her siblings, Janice Stuhr, Myrna Bailey, Judy Rodriguez, and Myer Jay Bornstein, children and grandchildren: Kevin Kurtz (wife Jennifer and children Travis Kurtz and Lauren Kurtz), Mary "Maria" Thurston (children Gabriel "Gabe" LeBeau, Jade Trapp, and Dane Thurston), Helen Null (children Angela Null, Jackson Null, and Parker Null), Ann Kurtz (child Brad Wiegand, grandchildren Lily Wiegand and Poppy Wiegand), Anthony "Tony" Kurtz (wife Shannon McCarty and children Finn Kurtz and Bitanya Kurtz), and Max Kurtz (children Grace Kurtz, Stephanie Kurtz, and Nicole Kurtz); and beloved cousins and extended family.

Joanne Kurtz made an impact on everyone around her. It is impossible to capture in a few words how special she was, and how much we will miss her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joanne's name to Whatcom Hospice Foundation or to Bellingham Community Meal.

A Vigil Prayer Service will be held on Thursday, October 5th at 5PM at Westford Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 6th at 10:30AM at Church of the Assumption, followed by a reception.

Please read Joanne's full obituary at www.westfordfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Bellingham Herald from Sep. 24 to Oct. 1, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Joanne Kurtz

9 Entries

John Betzsold

January 24, 2025

My greatest memory of Joanne was her letting my stay there when I had a problem. That house would have mounds of folded laundry as she labored away, relentlessly waging war on the kids things. She was such a pleasant person to be around. This goes back to the 80's when Tony and I were buddies. I just found this today. What a life she had. I was better to know her.

Sandra Keith Flaherty

October 11, 2023

Joanne was one of my closest friends for many years. We grew apart only because of physical distance. She has been in my thoughts for the past few weeks and I just now learned of her recent passing. I am so sad.
With my deepest sympathy to her family.
Sandra Keith Flaherty

Cindy Stuhr Rigterink & family

Planted Trees

Bitanya

October 3, 2023

I will always love you Grandma.

Katie & Dale Wakasugi

Sent Flowers

Benita Bowen

October 2, 2023

I had the privilege of volunteering with Joanne at the Bellingham Community Meal for seven years. She was gracious, calm, and thoroughly knowledgeable about the workings of the kitchen, policies and practices, and was the calm center we needed 10 Sundays a year. However, Joanne's gentle love and respect for the people who came to the meal, not just for the food, but to fill their hearts with the acceptance, respect and caring that Joanne always modeled. She was a wonderful human being.

Teresa (Schwind) HelesHunt

September 28, 2023

Growing up with the Kurtz's has left me with very fond memories. I remember Joanne as very generous and so kind. She and Steve were such good friends with my folks. Condolences to all the Kurtz kids - you lost a real gem of a mother and heaven is the lucky recipient.

Jody Merrithew Pelo

September 25, 2023

Joanne and Steve shared many good memories with my Mom and Dad...she was a lovely lady!

JoAn Schwind

September 25, 2023

My good friend was a truly kind and loving soul. May you rest in peace Joanne.

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