In Loving Memory of Cynthia M. Kurtz

Cynthia M. Kurtz was born in the Spring of 1955, to Joseph A. Kurtz and Patricia A. Kurtz (née Fortune). She was the eldest daughter and the second oldest of five children: Ken Kurtz (Debbie Kurtz, née Schmidt), Dana Kurtz, Linda Kurtz, and Becky Kroeger (née Kurtz) (Chris Kroeger).

Cynthia was the proud and loving mother of one daughter, Annastacia “Stacey” L. Kurtz, who was her greatest joy and often her sidekick in life’s many adventures. She was also a proud aunt, great-aunt, and friend to many.

For approximately 10 years, Cynthia served as a Girl Scout leader, sharing her time and helping create lasting memories for the girls in her care. Although she was a quiet and private person, she had a deep love for life and made the most of every opportunity to experience something new.

Travel was one of Cynthia’s greatest passions. Whether by plane, train, ship, or a good old-fashioned road trip, she was always ready for an adventure. She was just as happy roughing it in a tent as she was relaxing in a comfortable hotel bed. She explored 49 of the 50 states and traveled to Canada, often with Stacey by her side.

Cynthia also had a passion for photography. She loved documenting her travels, family gatherings, time with friends, and the quiet, intimate moments that made life meaningful. She had a creative spirit and loved working with her hands. Whether crafting, carving, gardening, or pursuing something new, she found joy in getting her hands dirty to create something beautiful. She loved all things in nature and found peace and wonder in the natural world around her.

She enjoyed craft fairs, Renaissance fairs, and dressing up for Halloween. She loved animals, especially dogs and cats, and treasured weekend breakfasts with her siblings, who were among her closest friends throughout her life. She loved music and could often be found belting out songs on the road, though she preferred to keep her dancing out of the public eye. She also had a special fondness for Diet Dr Pepper and Oscar the Grouch.

Cynthia’s creativity extended into the kitchen, where she loved experimenting with new recipes and flavors. Thanksgiving was an opportunity to invent new pie varieties, and she became famous within the family for concocting a dish she called “GLOP.” While its appearance might have raised a few eyebrows, its taste never disappointed.

Although Cynthia hated fishing, she once took Stacey to Lost Pond with a brand-new Snoopy fishing pole, fully aware that there were no fish in the pond. To make absolutely certain there would be no accidental catches, she even made sure there was no hook attached to the bobber. Years later, when Stacey was in sixth grade, she wrote a paper about this fond childhood memory and finally put two and two together to figure out why she had never caught a fish. Thankfully, the experience left her with a funny family memory rather than any lasting trauma.

During Stacey’s early years, Cynthia often worked two jobs to make ends meet, yet she always made time for the moments that mattered. She was there for Stacey’s gymnastics meets, soccer and basketball games, school plays, and Christmas pageants. No matter how busy life became, she showed her love through her presence and unwavering support.

Cynthia passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 10, 2026, at the age of 71.

Though she was a private person who never needed to be the center of attention, Cynthia loved life and lived it in her own way. She found joy in adventure, creativity, family, friendship, nature, and the simple moments that become treasured memories. She leaves behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, photographs, handmade creations, and memories that will continue to bring smiles to those who knew and loved her.

She was a devoted mother, a loving daughter and sister, a proud aunt and great-aunt, and a cherished friend. She will be deeply missed by many and lovingly remembered by all whose lives she touched.

Her memory will live on in every road trip song, every family gathering, every new recipe, and every unexpected adventure.

She was loved deeply, and she will never be forgotten.