Paulette Karen Kurtz

Paulette Karen Kurtz was born on September 4, 1958, in Jacksonville, Florida. She passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025, surrounded by the love she so freely gave throughout her life. Paulette was a generous, compassionate, strong, and caring person who made her family and friends her priority.

Paulette was preceded in death by her husband Terry Yon, parents, Paul Harold and Carol Kurtz, brother Paul Kurtz, sister-in-law Pam Kurtz, and sister Paula Carol. She is survived by her nephew Paul Kurtz (Lara), niece Mallory Wildes (Andy), aunt Vivian Merritt, “adopted” nephews Trevor Brandl, Robin Brandl, and Clark Coombs, “adopted” niece Nicole Cerullo, great-niece Brinley Wildes, best friend Linda Cerullo, numerous cousins, and countless extended family and friends.

Paulette, better known simply as “Aunt” to many, was the heart of our family. She was a woman whose kindness and compassion touched everyone she met. She had a rare gift for making others feel seen, valued, and loved. While she did not have children of her own, she had a knack for “adopting” people into our family, a gift she has passed on to her niece and nephew. Paulette poured her heart into caring for everyone she knew. She was the one who remembered every birthday, celebrated every milestone, and had a way of turning ordinary moments into treasured memories. Holidays, family gatherings, or even simple trips to the nail salon became brighter and more meaningful in her presence. She celebrated other’s joy as if it were her own, comforted us in our struggles, offered unwavering support, and somehow always knew just what to say to lift someone’s spirit.

She was a life-long Florida Gator fan, spending countless seasons cheering on the team from the 50-yard line. Paulette managed an apartment complex in Gainesville, Florida where she became friends with many players and their families over the years. She loved taking road trips to see the Gators play. Whether it was to the Sugar Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Orange Bowl, or any game in between, she gathered friends and family to hit the road. She also loved family vacations, especially to Gatlinburg and Las Vegas. From Dollywood to Thunder From Down Under and bottle service at the bars, she always ensured we celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings in rock-star style.

Paulette leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue in the numerous lives she touched and in the memories we cherish. Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing that her love continues to shape who we are and how we care for one another. She leaves behind countless people forever grateful for the warmth she brought into our lives.

A graveside service will be held for close family and friends at 3:00pm on November 21, 2025 at Hardage-Giddens Riverside Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205. A celebration of her life will be held at 4:00pm in the Hardage-Giddens’ Event Pavilion to honor the beautiful person she was and the love she shared so freely. The celebration is open to all of Paulette’s family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org, which was very dear to her heart.