Virginia Anne O’Leary Kurzak, 86, passed away peacefully at home in Olathe, KS on November 13, 2024. Virginia and her twin sister Margaret were born on August 1st, 1938, in Omaha, NE. With Margaret and her older siblings Bob, Jack, Don and Lorraine, Virginia grew up in a devout Catholic household, led by her parents, James and Clara. She attended grade school at St. John’s and graduated from Mercy High School in 1956. Her Catholic upbringing was central to how she approached life. While Virginia’s favorite motto was “semper paratus” (always prepared), she did not worry about the future, but rather chose to live in the moment, appreciating God’s blessings.
Virginia was the heart of the family she created with her husband, Jim, over the journey of their almost 60-year marriage. Her life’s vocation was her family, and she was the most dedicated mother, grandmother and soon-to-be great grandmother. She taught her children to lead with kindness and compassion, was emphatic about being there when support was needed, and was always ready to offer a hug and a chocolate chip cookie to her grandchildren. Virginia was a dedicated and loving wife to Jim. They brought different perspectives, skills and talents to their marriage, bringing balance and love to their family.
Her relationship with her twin, Margaret, was singular and special. Virginia was dedicated to caring for and helping her sister enjoy life. Virginia was holding Margaret’s hand when she died, and we believe that Margaret was the first to welcome Virginia into heaven.
Virginia’s family will miss her extensive brunches (always timed to be served piping hot), her carefully and kindly hand-written notes, every sassy turn of phrase and flip of the hair, her generous offers of help by slipping some cash into an unsuspecting hand, and her witty conversations. But most of all we will miss her telling us that she loved us to pieces.
We rejoice in knowing she is with the Lord and her infant daughter Laura, her parents James and Clara O’Leary, brothers Bob O’Leary (Mary), Jack O’Leary (Lois), Don O’Leary (Carol) and brother-in-law Bill Pritchard, who preceded her in death.
Virginia is survived by her husband Jim Kurzak, her daughters Kathleen Kaufman (Pat Kaufman), Anne Morrissey (Jason Morrissey), and Mary Beth Kurzak (Steve Smith). She is also survived by her sister Lorraine Pritchard, and her beloved grandchildren Brian Kaufman, Emily Kaufman, Jack Morrissey, Christian (Emily) Kaufman, Connor Morrissey, Olivia Kaufman, and Elizabeth Morrissey as well as many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 23rd, beginning with a visitation at 9:30 AM, followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM at St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 11802 Pacific St., Omaha, NE 68154. Inurnment will be in Calvary Cemetery immediately following the funeral, followed by lunch at the Mainelli Center at St. Robert’s.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Robert Bellarmine Church, Omaha, NE or Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Overland Park, KS.
Please visit www.stroberts.com/churchstream to view a live broadcast of the Mass.