Olga B. Kurtz

Olga Bechkowiak Kurtz, 93, died on April 10, 2022. She was born in Serednica, Galicia, Poland and came to America with her mother as a small child. She lived in Akron most of her life.

Olga graduated from Garfield High School, attended Akron University, and later earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Buffalo State Teachers College. After earning her degree, she taught sixth grade in West Seneca, NY.

Olga had many careers, including waitressing, medical records keeping, teaching, and owning and successfully operating her own business, OK Fast Print. Throughout her life, Olga was an avid reader, researcher, and writer. In retirement, she published four novels and her memoir, "The Way It Was, Recollections of the Life and Times of an Opinionated Granny." She also wrote a blog as the Opinionated Granny.

Olga was recognized in the 17th edition of Who's Who of American Women in 1991-1992. She was a volunteer counselor at the Akron Chapter of SCORE for 22 years, and member of the board of trustees of Dr. Bob's Home. She was an active member of the Akron Manuscript Club where she shared her love of writing with local writers. Olga loved to travel, both in the U.S. and outside the U.S., including China, Russia, Norway, Thailand, Turkey, and others. She is best remembered by her family and friends for her wit, optimism, and love of laughter, punctuated by her booming, infectious laugh.

Olga is preceded in death by her parents Julia (Molohoskey), Joseph Bechkowiak, brother, Russell Bechkowiak, sister, Mary Anne Bechkowiak Smith, and sister-in-law Mary Smith. Olga will be deeply missed by her sister Victoria (Fred) Kelsey of Delray Beach FL, her son Christopher (Sara) Kurtz of Hamburg, NY; her daughter, Melissa (Hank) Jones of LeRoy, WV; grandchildren Nathan Bracci Kurtz of Depew, NY; Annabelle and Olivia Kurtz of Hamburg, NY; Reese Kurtz of Port Colborne, Ontario and Brianna Logan of Hickory Creek, TX. In addition, there are numerous nieces and nephews who have been an important part of "Great Aunt Olga's" life.

A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 23 from 1 - 3 p.m. at Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 1990 S. Main Street, Akron, Ohio 44301. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Battered Women's Shelter, 974 E. Market Street, Akron, OH 44305 (https://hopeandhealingresources.org).
 

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