Irma Kurtz (nee Bleau) passed away peacefully on February 8, 2017 after a short illness. She was born on April 14, 1932 in Ponteix, SK and married John Kurtz, the love of her life, on April 25, 1950 in Regina. They moved to Moose Jaw, SK in 1974 to start the family business and to BC in 2004 to be closer to their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, the joy of her life.

Early in her life, Irma worked in the health care system in radiology and pharmacy. Throughout her life she was a true spiritual humanitarian as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and hospital pastoral care provider. She volunteered for, and donated to, several organizations to support child and family health nationally and internationally, including the Cancer Society, Red Cross, Canadian Diabetes Association, Heart and Stroke Foundation and BC Children’s Hospital. Over the years she also sponsored several foster children in developing countries, and supported the education of girls in Ghana through the UBC Okanagan-based Project GROW. Her familial ties to the UBC Okanagan School of Nursing include her daughter as a faculty member and her granddaughter as an undergraduate student.

Irma and family enjoyed many years at the family cabin in northern Saskatchewan. As a Métis woman, daughter, sister, mother and grandmother, she loved the north and had a deep connection to the land, water, wildlife and serenity it provided for physical, emotional, social and spiritual health.

To honour the memory of Irma Kurtz, the Irma Kurtz Memorial Fund has been established at the UBC Okanagan School of Nursing.

Your donation will honour Irma’s memory and provide invaluable financial support for Métis nursing students interested in health and wellness in rural and remote Canada.