Katherine "Kathy" Kurtz

Kathy’s life was nothing short of a resilient journey. Born June 13, 1975 in Taipei, Taiwan, she was adopted and raised by Jim and Ruth Mayhew. Due to her father’s work as a doctor, the family of six moved around a lot, change that helped mold the scrappy character she would need throughout her life.

Kathy graduated from the University of Tulsa in Oklahoma in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She was always interested in the way the mind works and why people do what they do. She also had an interest in graphic design.

In 2002, Kathy began work at Intertek in Pasadena, TX where she met the love of her life, Paul Kurtz. They began dating in 2004 and married November 8th, 2008 at Sunset United Methodist Church in Pasadena, TX, where they continued their membership throughout their marriage.

After years of trying, Kathy and Paul finally conceived. Shortly after, Kathy had a stroke which revealed she had heart failure. Despite dangers, they were moved to continue the pregnancy. And on December 2nd, 2015, Charlotte (Chy) and Vivian (Vivi) were born at a mere 30 weeks and grew to be the strong girls that strive today.

Kathy was into fashion, particularly shoes and handbags. She loved to cook for others, and her favorite food was Chinese. She was a generous gift-giver and always made guests feel welcome. She was energized by sunny days and enjoyed traveling with her family, most recently in “Campy,” their homey RV. She collected nutcrackers at Christmas and loved the hope of butterflies.

More than anything, Kathy loved her girls and cared deeply for them. Whether it was trips to Chick-fil-a, arts and crafts at home, or watching them play outdoors, she wanted them to enjoy life, learn to be courageous, and know they were loved.

Kathy in preceded in death by her father, Jim Mayhew. She is survived by her mother, Ruth Mayhew; her husband, Paul Kurtz; her daughters, Charlotte and Vivian Kurtz; her brother, Mark Mayhew and wife Lisa; her sister, Molly and husband Don Brown; her brother Matt (Matty) Mayhew and wife Erin; and her nieces and nephews David Mayhew, Jonathan Mayhew, Lauren Mayhew, Mikey Mayhew, Macie Brown, Tucker Brown, Tanner Brown, Tallie Ann Brown, Tripp Mayhew and Taylor Mayhew.

A celebration of life service will be held for Kathy on Saturday, February 12th at 11 am at Sunset United Methodist Church in Pasadena, TX. Food will be served afterwards in the fellowship hall. All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of usual remembrances, donations in memory of Kathy may be made to Texas Children's Hospital NICU at http://give.texaschildrens.org/goto/katherinekurtz or Sunset United Methodist Church Food Pantry, 709 Allendale, Pasadena TX 77502

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.navarrefuneralhome.com for the Kurtz family.