1936-2013

PARIS — Paula Prentiss Kurtz passed away on Monday, July 15, after a short illness. She was surrounded by her loving husband and children in her family home on Paris Hill. Her loyal dog, Katie, was at her side as well.

Nee Prentiss Tate Dow, she was born on July 16, 1936, the daughter of Paulina and Frank Dow of Portland. Her family lived on West Street in Portland, summering on Paris Hill, and she developed a deep attachment to these formative environments.

She graduated from Waynflete School in 1954, and earned a B.S. in art history from Skidmore College in 1958. She married Ted Kurtz in 1964. She and Ted raised their family first in Cape Elizabeth, and since 1974, in her grandmother’s home on Paris Hill. She was a devoted mother, wife and keeper of animals.

Throughout her life, Paula cared deeply for others, particularly animals. Her most concentrated volunteer efforts were spent tirelessly defending the rights of animals through lobbying and legislation, as well as providing havens for animals in distress. She was instrumental in the creation of the first Department of Animal Welfare in the Maine state government.

She was also instrumental in the creation of an expansive bear enclosure at the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray, which provided rescued bears the opportunity to live in comfort while allowing visitors to witness the majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Later, she worked in partnership with other dedicated animal lovers to establish Responsible Pet Care in Norway.

Paula was always surrounded by dear friends from all stages and parts of her life, and was loved as someone who accepted people for who they are. She sustained these friendships because she was — first and foremost — a good friend to others, always greeting those she met with a smile that her husband describes as “smiling with her whole face.”

She was her daddy’s girl, and loved to host laughter-filled parties with good food and music. Many times she would open her home and heart to those in-need of shelter and support, touching countless lives in deep and meaningful ways.

As she explained during her life, having “learned to see” at Skidmore, her most satisfying hobby was photography. Her favorite subjects were infants and children, as well as the treasures of the natural world. She saw not only with her eyes, but with her heart, and thus was particularly gifted at capturing her special vision to share with others.

She is survived by her husband, Ted, of Paris; children, Douglas Kurtz of Auburn, Rebecca Kurtz of Phillips, Hilda Kurtz and her husband, Richard Rayburn, of North High Shoals, Ga., and Amelia Kurtz and her husband, Michael Rockenstire, of Scarborough; as well as six grandchildren, Ali, Cynthia, Prentiss, Mitchell, Owen and Wesley. She is deeply loved and admired by her family and many cherished friends. Her family has been truly blessed by her love and wisdom.

The family wishes to acknowledge and to express gratitude for the dedicated, compassionate and able staff at Beacon Hospice. Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.

Copy the Story Link