Obituary of Janis Georgia Kurz

Janis Grimes Kurz, 90, formerly of Leonia, N.J., died on Saturday, March 24, 2018, at the Foxdale Village nursing home in State College, Pa.

Born November 30, 1927, in Maynard, Iowa, she was the daughter of Arch and Dollie Grimes. On August 24, 1950, she married Jeffery W. Kurz, who preceded her in death on September 27, 2013.

She is survived by two children: Nancy L. Wood (Tim) of Northiam, England, and Jeffery W. Kurz, Jr. of Middletown, Conn.; two siblings, Nancy Toepfer and Tom Grimes (Maureen) of State College; seven grandchildren, Christopher Wood, Emma Goates, Ryan Kurz, Philip Kurz, Alexander Kurz, Michele Matthews-Schicchi and Nick Matthews; four great-grandchildren, Matilda Goates and Charlie, Allie and Payton Schicchi; nieces and nephews, Elizabeth Toepfer-Hendey, Mary Dolce, Kathryn Permut; Rebecca Jane Donlan; Mark Grimes, Janis Filiaggi, and Paula Hill.

In addition to her husband, Jan was preceded in death by her son David L. Kurz, on June 20, 2017. She was also predeceased by Rebecca Stearns, Kenneth Toepfer, Matthew Stearns and Rebecca Grimes

Jan was a 1945 graduate of Boone High School in Iowa. She received a music performance degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1949.

Jan possessed a beautiful lyric soprano voice and sang professionally in Paris, San Francisco and the New York/New Jersey area. She was also an outstanding vocal coach who gave confidence and inspiration to her students.

A devoted Quaker, Jan was dedicated to peace. She was a long-time member of the Ridgewood Friends Meeting who also could be found every Sunday afternoon with her placard at a corner peace vigil in Leonia. She was an active member of PEO and the League of Women Voters, and joined her husband in many productions of The Players Guild of Leonia. Even those who knew her during her short time at Foxdale recognized that to know Jan was to have a friend.

A memorial service will begin at 2 p.m., on Sunday, April 29, at the Ridgewood Friends Meeting House, 224 Highwood Ave., Ridgewood, N.J.

Donations in Jan's memory may be made to the American Friends Service Committee, at www.afsc.org/give.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.