Erika Kern (Marth) Kurtz, 84, was risen with our lord Jesus Christ on Holy Saturday, April 8th, 2023. She was born in Strem, Austria to Stefan and Maria (Fuchs) Kern. Wife of 59 yrs. to the late John Kurtz, Sr. and member of Queenship of Mary Catholic Church, Northampton. Strong and brave, she left her homeland alone at the age of 17 on the Queen Elizabeth liner and started a new life working as a hand sewer at the former Cross Country Clothes, Northampton. She was a master in making longosh pastries, baking delicate kiffles and cookies, homemade noodles, polka dancing and taking care of her family. Survivors: daughters, Erika Figura (Gregory), Anita Iasiello (Thomas), Linda Schlofer (Michael); son, John Kurtz, Jr. (Sherry Richardson); grandchildren, Andrea, Alyssa, Kyle, Jared, Olivia, Mason; great-grandchildren, Hayley and Ethan; sister, Maria Schadl of Austria; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by twin brothers, Eric and Alfred.

Services: A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 15th at 10:00 a.m. in the church, 1324 Newport Ave., Northampton. Family and friends may call Saturday from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. in the church. Burial will follow in Our Lady of Hungary Cemetery, Northampton. Arrangements are under the direction of Reichel Funeral Home, Northampton. Online condolences may be offered below.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the church for the Erika Kurtz Memorial Fund to benefit the Queenship of Mary parish festival.