KURTZ, Sister Theresa

Sister Theresa Kurtz, formerly Sister Edmund Marie, a Sister of St. Martha of Antigonish, died at Bethany, the Motherhouse, on February 7, 2017. Sister Theresa was 101 years of age and in the 82nd year of her religious life.

Born in Burdett, Alberta, she was one of eight children of the late Matthias and Theresa (Bauman) Kurtz.

Sister entered the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Martha on November 8, 1933, pronounced her first vows on August 24, 1935 and her perpetual profession of vows on August 24, 1938. After her profession of vows, Sister served in parish work and later in the field of education. She served many years as well in pastoral care of the sick and in spiritual direction. She was a graduate of the Nova Scotia Provincial Normal College and St. F. X. University. Sister Theresa qualified as a teacher of art and music following studies at the Nova Scotia College of Art, in Halifax and the Toronto Conservatory of Music. In 1973 she obtained an Advanced Diploma in Clinical Pastoral Studies and in 1975, she graduated with a degree in Master of Divinity, both from Andover Newton Theological School and the University of Massachusetts.

In Nova Scotia, besides the Motherhouse, Sister Theresa served at St. Martha’s Convent in Antigonish, Little Flower Institute, Bras d’Dor, Our Lady of Fatima Convent, Heatherton, St. Charles Convent, Dominion, Teachers’ Residence, Eskasoni and Star of the Sea Convent, Canso. In Western Canada, she served in Alberta at Mount Carmel Convent, Canmore, St. Alphonsus Convent, Blairmore, St. Michael’s General Hospital, St. Monica Convent and Martha Centre, Lethbridge and in Saskatchewan at Martha House, Regina.

Even with the loss of her eyesight, Sister Theresa greeted people with a smile and warm welcome. She delighted in listening to people read to her from novels, articles and in particular from Scripture.

Sister Theresa was the last surviving member of her family. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by sisters, Velma Bohna, Rose Roth, Margaret Kotkas and Sister Magdalena, CSM and brothers, Joseph, Matt and Elias.

The remains will be resting at Bethany, beginning Sunday, February 12th at 1:15 p.m., where a Celebration of Vigil will be held on the same evening at 7:30. Liturgy of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, February 13th at 2 p.m. in Bethany chapel.

Arrangements are under the direction of MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant St., Antigonish.