Mary Kurth

Mary Kurth

November 05, 1947 - May 29, 2022

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Obituary

Mary Frances Kurth of Madison WI completed the tasks imported to her in this world, and entered eternal life on May 29, 2022, at 74 plus years. All of us who have had the honor and pleasure in knowing Mary Fran as a sister, aunt, cohort, and friend are saddened by the loss of her presence among us, but are, nevertheless, grateful for having known her and being allowed to inhabit a niche in her life.

On November 5, 1947, Mary Fran as the first daughter and second child of Darwin Kurth and Mary Kathryn Thompson Kurth, joining her brother, Charles Joseph (Joe). Mary Fran’s genuine concern for the overall health and well being towards others developed into selecting health care as her profession, and nursing, in particular. Upon her graduation from Darlington High School in 1965, Mary Fran entered nursing school at St. Mary’s Hospital (now SSM Health) in Madison. Through the course of academic study and hands-on practical training, she was banded, pinned, and passed her board examinations in the summer of 1968 to become a Registered Nurse.

Mary Fran spent her entire nursing career at St. Mary’s/SSM Health as a Surgical and Intensive Care Nurse. For several years, she accepted weekend care shifts at the Lafayette Manor in Darlington, to provide additional support for her younger siblings.

During her career and, after her retirement, Mary Fran pursued her interests in sewing, crochet, knitting, Reiki, reading, and travel. One significant trip, in late 1969, allowed accompanying her mother to visit relatives in New Orleans, shortly before her mother’s death. She was, likewise, generous to her siblings for class trips and other special projects/endeavors.

Mary Fran is survived by her siblings: Carol (Edward) Stevenson; Darwin G. (Debra) Kurth; David Kurth; Sabra Kurth (David McNeely); eleven nieces and nephews; great nieces and great nephews; her brother-in-law, Allen King; her sisters-in-law: Cindy Kurth (Jack), Mary Kurth (Tim), and Brenda Olson (Leroy); her loyal and steadfast nursing school classmates; professional colleagues and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Charles Joseph Kurth, James Peter Kurth, John Stephen Kurth, Timothy Delbert Kurth, Kathryn Rose Kurth King, and Leroy Michael Kurth.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Agrace HospiceCare for their care and compassion given to Mary and her family.

Memorials may be made to the Madison Public Library, Dane County Habitat for Humanity or to the charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Life for Mary will be held in Madison August 14, 2022 from 12-4 pm at the Warner Park Shelter located at 2930 N. Sherman Avenue. Mary's family will greet friends and family and there will be a short ceremony by the Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard at 2:00 pm. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N. Sherman Avenue

608-249-8257

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Kitty Geier
Other •
I had the privilege of working and being a friend of Mary's for many years on the night shift 3NW and SICU at SSM. Mary was the best of nurses in skill and caring. She always talked so much of her family and their accomplishments I felt I knew them all. I met nephew Gavin 2 years ago working as RN in St. Mary's ER. He expressed what an influenceMary had been on him choosing this career. Mary was so proud I am sure! Rest in peace dear friend and condolencesto all family on this loss. Kitty Geier
JC
Judith Coenen
Other •
Several things stood out about Mary Frances. She was an exceptional person of impeccable character. She was, as were all of her siblings, always interested in learning. Her love of her family was her foundation and anchor.She lost her mother early and in many ways became the mother in the large family she came from. With the loss of each family member her spirit dimmed a little. Wishing her peace and happiness in the next life where she is together again with everyone she loved. Until we all meet again
SS
Sue Schmelzer
Other •
Mary was my Big Sis in nursing school. We worked on 3 northwest and then the Surgical Intensive care . We were part of the core group of nurses who traveled to St. Lukes hospital in Milwaukee to learn how to take care of patients having open heart surgery! For many years, I worked the pm shift and Mary worked nights. I always admired her for the care she gave her siblings after their mom passed away. Forever in my ️ Sue Schmelzer
DM
dennis mcwilliams
Other •
I haven''t seen Mary since our high school graduation back in 1965. I remember her as being a thoughtful and intelligent young woman beyond her years. When I read her obituary, I felt proud of what she accomplished as a nurse and as a person. It's always pleasing to see that people we knew in our youth have gone on to live meaningful lives.I'm sure she'll be missed by friends and family.Dennis McWilliams
PO
Patrick O'Brien
Other •
We were unable to make the Celebration of Life on Sunday, but our thoughts and prayers are with the Kurth family. Pat and Sarah O'Brien

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