Susan Rugemer Kurtz

Susan Rugemer Kurtz, a beloved mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2025, at the age of 84. A lifetime resident of Baltimore, the daughter of Francis Edward Rugemer and Winifred Seal Rugemer, Susan was born on November 11,1940 and grew up on Taplow Road in Homeland. Susan was a proud 1958 graduate of the Friends School of Baltimore and then attended Beaver College and graduated from Hood College. She married Robert William Kurtz (Bob) in 1964 and worked for a short time as a buyer at Hutzler's. Susan later chose to remain home with their daughter Betsy, whom they adopted in May of 1972. Susan's home economics major in college supported her wonderful talent for decorating and maintaining a pristine home. She had a passion for planning memorable trips with her loved ones. Susan and Bob traveled extensively throughout Europe and the Caribbean, enjoyed a Rhine River cruise (which may have supported her love for boxed Rhine wine) and an Alaskan cruise together. They enjoyed summers on Cape Cod as a family and took a trip to England, Scotland and Wales as well as a train trip across the country. Susan loved to travel by train! Susan had a witty sense of humor and a deep appreciation for music of all kinds. She volunteered at Betsy's (RPCS Class of 1990) school store and Kayla's school library (Friends Class of 2021). After her beloved Bob's passing, Susan volunteered her time at Ten Thousand Villages in Kenilworth. She loved to stay busy, always had more than one project going and gave the best home crafted presents! Above all, she treasured every moment spent with her family. Susan's greatest joy in her later years was being called Nanny. She doted upon her grandchildren creating personalized playrooms for them in her basement on Worthington Road in Overbrook where she lived for over 40 years. She moved to Roland Park Place in 2013 and transitioned to memory care in 2021. She was a friend to all the staff and was loved and cherished by many. Susan was preceded in death by her husband, Robert (Bob) William Kurtz. She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth (Betsy) Abbe Kurtz; her grandchildren, Kayla Kurtz and Nicholas Nunn; son-in-law John R Avery Jr., her siblings Ted Rugemer and Lorinda McColgan, sister-in-law Virginia Rugemer; two nephews, Edward and John and their wives Kate and Laurie as well as great-nieces Adelaide and Marlowe and great nephews, Henry, Philip and James. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 10am at Mitchell-Wiedefeld Funeral Home 6500 York Road. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Gilchrist Hospice of Baltimore. https://gilchristcares.org/donate/