Alfreda “Al” Kurtich

| May 17, 2018

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 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and at the Galloway United Methodist Church on Sunday, May 20, 2018 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. 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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Category: Obituaries