Alfreda Kurtich
June 26, 1949 ~ May 15, 2018
Born in: Franklin, Pennsylvania
Alfreda "Al" Kurtich, 68, of Seneca, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on May 15, 2018 surrounded by her loving family.Born on June 26, 1949, in Franklin, she was the daughter of the late Ernest and Eva (McCool) Montgomery.She married the love of her life, John Kurtich, on June 20, 1970.After graduating from Rocky Grove High School, she furthered her education at Hamot Hospital School of Nursing, becoming a registered nurse. She thrived as a nurse and was the Pediatric Head Nurse at the Franklin Hospital for 28 1/2 years. She loved children and it showed while working with Dr. Hebda in Oil City and at Hope Pediatrics with Dr. Ham.Alfreda was a very active life-long member of the Galloway United Methodist Church. She lived beside "the church" for the majority of her life and was instrumental in building the new additions to the church. She was active with church organizations such as the United Methodist Women group, the Building Committee, the Meal Ministry, Women's Book Club and she sang in the church choir.She was a mentor for others and was affectionately called "Grammie" to more than just her family. Alfreda liked photography, board games and was an accomplished scrapbooker. She was a great seamstress and made quilted handbags for all the girls in her family. She enjoyed visiting 42 states and several foreign countries with her husband and family.Not only did she belong to many card clubs, she also belonged to many golf leagues. Her competitive nature showed when she was trying to beat her husband's golf scores. She was a member of the Speers Lady's League, the Hospital League and the Lucky Hills Golf League.Alfreda was a Queen Mother of the Red Hat Society. Her group called themselves the Purple Pixelated Pixies.Left to cherish her memory is her husband, John Kurtich, of Seneca; her children, Dr. Deanna Lynn Kelly and her husband, Todd Eugene, of York, PA and Brian Patrick Kurtich and his wife, Tricia Jo, of Franklin; her grandchildren, Cain Patrick Kurtich and his wife, Karlyn,of Gillette, WY, Shanna Janae Kurtich of Grove City, Tristen Xavier "Xavi" Kurtich of Franklin, Jackson Alexander Kelly of York, PA, Jemma Elisabeth Kelly of York, PA, Juliet Mae Kelly of York, PA and her great-granddaughter, Kinsley Grace Kurtich of Gillette, WY. She is further survived by her sister, Judy Yvonne Shingledecker and her husband, Richard Wayne, of Franklin, and her brother, Rankin Dale Montgomery and his wife, Robin, of Franklin and numerous nieces and nephews who called her "Auntie Al".Visitation for Alfreda will be held at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc. on Saturday, May 19, 2018 from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm and at the Galloway United Methodist Church on Sunday, May 20, 2018 from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm with the funeral services immediately following in the church with Reverend Roy Gearhart, Pastor of the church, officiating. Interment will be held in Graham Cemetery.Memorial contributions may be made to the Galloway United Methodist Church, 196 Seysler Road, Franklin, PA 16323 and/or to the ALS Foundation, Western PA Division, 410 Lincoln Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15209.To send cards, flowers, online condolences or for general information, friends and family are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.
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Al was such a Blessing to so many people. I worked with her for 15 years and learned a lot from her and I treasure the memories from “Peds” . I know in my heart that God has a special place in Heaven for her. She will be so missed.
Wonderful person. Great nurse. RIP Alfreda
Al– beautiful friend inside and out.. She will be missed. Hugs and prayers for you all
Sending our love and prayers for John, Dee, Brian and all of Alfreda ‘s loving family . ??
We are saddened because of her loss but yet we are happy she is at peace and no longer suffering
“When God sees a tear he kisses it with a smile and the love of family and friends”
Love, Jim & Cheryl. ??
John and family,
I was so saddened to hear about Alfreda’s passing. She and my mom, Helen, worked together in Pediatrics at the hospital. They both were quite the characters and shared many laughs and good memories. When my mom passed away unexpectedly, Alfreda was the first co worker of here’s to reach out to my family. I’m sure they are carrying on in heaven and taking care of all the babies and kids. You will all be in my family’s thoughts and prayers during this sad and difficult time. Alfreda touched many lives.
With Sincere Sympathy,
Terri Brinker-weaver and family
We are so sorry for your loss. May God’s love and the love of family and friends give you strength and peace. God Bless.
What a blessing to have had Al’s friendship. Her smile and laugh were infectious. We enjoyed many years as neighbors and friends. Love, thoughts and prayers to Al’s family and friends.
John, Dee, Brian & all of Al’s loving family, I am so deeply sorry to hear of her passing. She is at peace & in the arms of the Lord. She was such a wonderful lady & I had so much respect for her. She will be missed by so many. She was such an inspiration to so many. I loved her laughter & humor – we had some good laughs over the years. She was always upbeat & happy. My heart breaks for all of you. We had some good times at the family reunions. Hugs to all of you. Lots of love sent to you all. Renee Barker Kachik
Bless you, Alfreda, for all of the lives you touched.. and may you smile down on your loved ones… You were a wonderful lady and a wonderful nurse.
“Wings Of A Dove”
When troubles surround us,
The body grows weak
The spirit grows numb
When these things beset us, God doesn’t forget us
He sends us His love
On the wings of a snow-white dove
He sends His pure sweet love
A sign from above
On the wings of a dove
God blessed His son
He sent him His love
On the wings of a dove.
On the wings of a snow-white dove
He sends His pure sweet love
A sign from above
On the wings of a dove
Rest in Peace Dear Lady.
I am honored and humbled to to be your friend and hairstylist for over a decade . Over the last two days I’ve found myself in deep conversation with God . I understand you are not to question , however I couldn’t understand why you would call upon this beautiful soul, so young and full of life.
As I mentally prepared myself to proceed with your last wishes , I understood this visit .. I would be the only one conversating . Only you would prove me wrong .
As I cast my eyes upon you, I understand now . I can say this to you Al .. in your line of work , and your much love for your red cowgirl boots… this was not my first rodeo.
However seeing you , I’ve never seen a woman look so much like an angel . I wanted to tell the director , please don’t put any make up on her. Please let her rest like this .
In our last visit together here.. I understand now that that Lord has a bigger plan for you beyond the gates of heaven . Our angel .
To John and the whole family . I know you all. The loving and faithful wife she was . How she adored her children , grandchildren and great grand child .
I know all of your Gifts from her over the last decade . She was especially proud of the hand bags and photo albums that she made for you. From dances, soccer games and family gatherings , she never wanted to miss a single moment .
The quilt she had finished that had been her mothers .
Caught in a major down pour in Texas .
Proud of her children for traveling/working abroad and following your dreams of being professionals .
She looked forward to cleaning her grandchildrens bedrooms while her daughter was out of town on business.
Proud of her son talent with rebuilding homes
And man oh man could that woman whip a kitchen/bathroom into shape in a days time.
I know so much about each and every one of you .
I don’t think this page could hold all the memories Al shared with me.
Until we meet again my friend .. we will do some porch sitting and picking grapes .
-All my love Angel
Alfreda was my charge nurse when I started my career 38 years ago in pediatrics. She not only taught me skills but she taught me how to be kind , loving and non- judgemental to all. She loved her patients and staff and always treated all she came in contact with including Staff with much respect and love. I have many wonderful memories of times spent with her in the pediatric unit which I will cherish and hold dear in my heart. God has now gained another angel. May she be at peace and caring for gods children now. My deepest sympathies to the Kurtich family. God Bless.
Dear John, Deanna, Brian, and family,
I was very saddened to read of Alfreda’s passing today. I worked closely with Al for many years. She was an excellent nurse and a compassionate caregiver. She mentored many a nurse, seasoned and new, about Pediatric care. She was always an advocate for the best patient care even through some of the difficult changes in the healthcare system. I pray for your peace and comfort in the many happy memories and knowing how positively she impacted the lives of all she met.
Sincerely,
Rhonda Steigerwald
RIP Alfreda. You will be deeply missed by all! Always enjoyed running into her and John when I was home visiting. She always was cheerful and smiling and laughing with John by her side. Keep smiling John and family. She is no longer suffering but walking heaven’s streets. She was a great cousin!
Love to all of you! Praying for each one of you!
Love Mary Sweitzer Williams
I was so saddened to her of Alfreda’s passing. I worked in the pediatric ward with her for a number of years, starting out as a new nurse. She personified excellence in nursing, and every shift with her was pleasant, an excellent learning experience and fun. She holds a very special place in my heart and nursing profession. Condolences to her precious family who she always spoke of so lovingly and passionately. She was such a dear friend.
John, sorry for your loss, way to early for Alfreda. We will keep you and the family in our prayers during this time of loss. We will always remember the many good things that Alfreda did for other people and may her soul be blessed in heaven. You have our sympathy.
John and family, I first met Alfreda working at the Franklin Hospital as a young nurse (we were both young then!) Then I grew to appreciate her as a woman of faith and her passion for Jesus and the church. I will never forget John and Alfreda visiting us in Arizona on our mission and how she thrived learning all about everything! I know she is absorbing all the glories of heaven today – and look forward to seeing her for an eternity!
Blessings on all of you in the grief walk you are starting on, remember we are not without hope! Eternity is sure for those who believe in Him!
sorry for your loss, Tom Boughner
DearJohn and Family,
We are very sorry for your loss. I will always remember Alfreda with a smile and twinkling eyes, even when times were challenging, especially during nursing school. We could always count on her to uplift us all. If “happy” were defined, it would begin with “Al”. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. God bless and help you through times ahead.
John & Linda Piercy
John and family, Jim and I are so sorry for your loss. I will always remember her as such a happy person and fun to be around always a pretty smile on her face. She will be so missed by all who knew her. We know all to well how sad and hard it is to lose someone so special in your life, just know you are not alone so many people are here for you and praying for you and your family. All our love and prayers . Jim and Linda Mcclelland
John and family,
Terribly sorry for your loss. She was a lovely, kind and generous lady. I always appreciated her kind words and smile.
My sincere condolences,
Ken Brannon
The Lord has welcomed another of his servants home to eternity. She has served him well. She’s now singing in his choir.
Alfreda was such a lovely person inside & out.
My deepest condolences to John & his family.