Barbara Marie Kurtz

August 2, 1926 - January 27, 2017

NORWAY- Barbara Marie Kurtz, lifelong resident of Norway, passed away on Friday, January 27, 2017 at the age of 90. Barbara is the daughter of the late Paul and Louise (Casanova) Kurtz. She was born on August 2, 1926 in Norway, MI. Barb graduated from Norway High School in 1944. Two days after graduation, she started cosmetology classes at U.P. Beauty Academy in Iron Mountain, MI. Barb’s father, Paul, a carpenter by trade, converted the garage into her shop. She opened her shop in March of 1945. In 1949, Paul wanted his garage back. He then built an addition, which was attached to the house for the new salon. In addition to working full time, Barb helped as a caregiver to her mother, Louise, who was wheelchair bound for the later years of her life. With her business attached to the family home, it enabled Barb to check in with her mom and help out whenever needed. Barb established many friendships and clientele during her 65 years of operating her hair salon, “Barb’s Beauty Shop”. She recently reminisced as to how ‘back in the day’, her clients would walk from Vulcan, the top of the hill and from all over town to get their hair done. Barb loved color, especially red and purple. Her flair for current trends was obvious throughout the decades, as she wore the latest clothing styles, accented by fashionable jewelry and shoes. She found enjoyment in shopping, whether it was clothing, jewelry, shoes, artwork, sculptures, dishes, glassware or an item that spoke to her. Barb had a great sense of humor, which she shared with her family, her friends and her clients. She depended on her family and friends to help with transportation, since she never learned to drive. She enjoyed traveling with family and friends, as she did have a sense of adventure. She was a member and supporter of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Her father, Paul, was instrumental in many of the phases of construction of the Church and the rectory. Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Louise, grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles from both the Casanova and Kurtz families. She leaves behind her cousins and many friends. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 30 from 9-10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Norway. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church with Fr. Timothy Ekaitis presiding. Interment will be held at the Norway Township Cemetery.