Marie Louise Kurtz

Marie Louise Kurtz (nee Ciapponi), 81, of Cuyahoga Falls, died peacefully at home, September 8th, 2007.

Born February 15, 1926 in Akron, Ohio, she was a lifelong resident of the area and lived most of her adult life in the North Hill area of Akron. She was a devoted member of St. Anthony's Parish for nearly 60 years. Louise received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Akron University in 1948 and a Baccalaureate in Education from Akron University in 1970. She was welcomed as a member of the American Chemical Society in 1948 (rare for a female at the time). In addition to being a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many, she was employed by Quaker Oats Corp. 1946-49, by the Akron Public School system as a substitute teacher for 20 years beginning in the early 1970's and also as a sales associate at the Chapel Hill Mall O'Neil's (now Macy's) Dept. store for 38 years beginning in 1968. Always quick with a smile and a kind word for all she met, she was an inspiration to all who knew and loved her. Louise loved life, loved to read and keep up with current events as well as the latest scientific advancements, and could converse intelligently on just about any topic imaginable. She especially loved encouraging her children and her many grandchildren to pursue their dreams in whatever field of endeavor chosen. Her grandchildren will miss her warm wonderful hugs and words of encouragement. Always a good listener, she was a dear friend, mentor, confidant and tower of strength to her family and to her numerous friends made in the Akron area, and at St. Anthony's Parish over the years. She was a true treasure who will be sorely missed by all.

Louise was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Don; parents, Gregory and Nellie Ciapponi; and grandson, Jimmy Kurtz. She is survived by her eight children, Kathy Kurtz of Colorado, Marianne (Jose) Ruiz of Colorado, Carolyn Kurtz of Cuyahoga Falls, Diane Kurtz of Colorado, Don Jr. (Rebecca) Kurtz of Texas, David (Margaret) Kurtz of South Carolina, Rick (Michelle) Kurtz of Pennsylvania, and Rob (Susan) Kurtz of Stow; 18 grandchildren, Sarah and Laura Kurtz, John Kurtz, Alyssa Dawley, Paolo and Marisa Ruiz, Gina, Erik, Adam, Brian, Nicole, and Michael Kurtz, Tracey, Kelly, and Garrett Curry, Abbigail, Samuel, and Benjamin Kurtz; and sister Angie (Larry) Struttmann of Tennessee.

The Kurtz family would like to thank Hospice of Summa for the wonderful care and support they provided to Louise and the entire family.

Memorial Mass will be at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, at St. Anthony's Church, 83 Mosser Pl. Akron. Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at HENNESSY Funeral Home, 552 N. Main St. Akron (corner of York and Main). Donations may be made to St. Anthony's School. (HENNESSY, Family Owned,