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Doris Kurze

Doris Kurze, 100, proclaimed “Queen of the Valley” by the Town of Deep River, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2024. She was born July 5, 1923, in Chester, to John and Edith (Sypher) Heft. She was predeceased by her husband, John, and sons, Philip and John Jr.

Doris and John married in 1941 and spent time in South Carolina during World War II; John was in the U.S. Army Air Corps, and Doris was in the Office of Embarkation. Upon their return to Deep River, she continued her service to her country as an aircraft spotter stationed at an observation post in Winthrop. She then worked for M&L Products for more than 30 years as a silk screener, retiring in her early 80s. They raised their sons at their farm, enjoying their animals and peaceful life, and truly cherished spending time in their vacation home in Claremont, New Hampshire, with their lifelong friends, Everett and Jane Jones of Deep River. “Gram” was a woman of extraordinary strength, humor, and faith, a member of the Deep River Congregational Church since 1959.

She leaves behind her daughter-in-law Jo-Ann Kurze of Colchester; grandson John Kurze III and his wife Elizabeth of Ivoryton; granddaughter Katherine (Ahlgren) and her husband Chris of Burlington; great-grandchildren, Tyler Kurze and Ryan, Bode, and Hadley Ahlgren; several nieces and nephews; and her dear friend Christine Etlinger.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 6, at Deep River Congregational Church. Burial will be private. In honor of Doris’s love for her feathered friends, donations may be made to the Audubon Society or to Deep River Congregational Church in her name.