Catharina Kurucz

July 3, 1939 - July 23, 2021
It is with great sadness that the entire Kurucz family announces the incredibly peaceful and comfortable passing of a woman who truly personified Mother, Nagymama and Dedi. Catharina was surrounded by all who ever meant anything in her life, her family.
Mom was born on July 3, 1939 in the small town of Rijnsburg, Holland. One of 10 children, she came with most of the Colyn family to Canada, finalizing their move to Port Alberni in 1951.
It was in Port Alberni that she met her husband Janos and together they raised 6 amazing children. Mom's focus and priority was always family. Moving onto the family farm in 1967, they tended and developed the 80 acres. It was on this property at the end of Beaver Creek that the family continued to grow to include 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren (with 3 more on the way).
Mom was an incredibly unselfish human, giving all for her family and friends. She was also an incredible cook and baker. Many family gatherings will always be remembered by not only her brood, but all the neighbors, extended family and of course, numerous friends.
Mom always had a dream to have her own store when she was a little girl. After all her children and grandchildren were well on their journeys, mom learned about the farmer's market in Port Alberni and decided to turn her incredible talents of cooking and baking into quite a successful venture at the market down by the harbor. What mom loved most was the recognition, validation, love and friendships she developed, becoming lovingly known in Port Alberni and beyond as the "Dutch Market Lady". She will especially be well remembered for her bread, preserves and her Almond Danish.
The last 6 months was a difficult time for mom. She began to slow down and she realized and graciously accepted assistance from her loving family. Just before her passing, mom came to an incredible place of comfort, clarity, contentment and peace. Still laughing and smiling until the end, she radiated love.
Mom was predeceased by her husband Janos Kurucz, father and mother Jacob and Cornelia Colyn, brothers Wim, Henk and Jake, sisters Bertha, Anne, Dina, and Margaret.
Mom is survived by her loving and devoted children John, Peter (Anita), Marinka (Chris), Michael (Judi), Paul (Tina) and Joszef, grandchildren Anya, Todd, Joel, Amber, Rebeccah, Joshua, Marinka, Jordan, Angelina, Michel, Tatyanna, Jairynn, Emily, Hanna and Christopher, great grandchildren Noah, Leah, William, Gabriel, Abigail, Banks, Hazel, Piper, Wyatt, Kacey, Evie, and Alexander, as well as many, many beloved nieces and nephews.
Much love goes out to mom's beloved nieces Nancy and Simone and nephew John. A special thank you to Dr. F. Meyer in Port Alberni, as well as all the incredible caring staff of the Comox Valley Hospital and the professional and devoted palliative care team of Comox Valley Home and Community Care. Thank you to Dr. Hopwood and Dr. Montgomery and the MAID program of BC.
One of mom's requests was for everyone to take a moment in their busy lives and reflect, reconnect with a distant loved one and respect one another.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local Hospice Society.
A celebration to commemorate the life of this remarkable woman will be held at the Beaver Creek Hall, 8505 Beaver Creek Rd, Port Alberni, on September 11, 2021 from 12 noon to 4 pm with the reading of the eulogy and presentations at 1:00 p.m.
Please wear your brightest colors to reflect the light that shone in our mom!