Claudine Claire KURTZ

KURTZ - Claudine Claire

(nee Vial)

May 27, 2019. Beloved wife of the late Dr. Paul Kurtz; loving mother of Jonathan G.M. (Gretchen) and Anne H. (Jesse); dear grandmother "Tata" of Jonathan, Taylor and Cameron, Jacklyn and Jonathan F.; sister of Jacqueline (Hincker) and Robert (Vial). Devoted daughter of the late Joseph and Helene (Lagache) Vial of Paris, France. Claudine also loved her close friend of 48 years, Millie Enney, who was like family to her. Claudine's family was her most cherished gift. While she moved to America when she was 20, she returned to her beloved France every summer, and for some holidays, with her husband and children to spend time with her parents and family. Claudine was the Chair of the French Department at Buffalo Seminary where she taught for 25 years. She often shared stories about her memorable class trips to France with her students. She was a skilled French gourmet chef and loved cooking for her family and friends. She was also a talented pianist and an avid animal lover. Claudine had a great sense of humor, but her greatest gift to the world was her heart of gold. She was generous with her love, advice, time, and support through all of life's challenges and victories. She always made anyone in her presence feel loved and important. Her favorite songs were La Vie en Rose and Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien, "I do not regret anything." by Edith Piaf. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Erie County SPCA. Donations can be made in her honor by selecting Tribute Gifts at https://yourspca.org. A private family memorial will be held to celebrate Claudine's life. We will miss her terribly, but her love and beautiful spirit will stay in our hearts forever.