Dorothy Vernon Kurtz, affectionately known as Doff, passed away at Columbia Village in Oberon at the age of 93.

Doff leaves behind three children, Neville Kurtz, Bev Ring and Paul Kurtz, nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

But what she has also left behind is a wonderful legacy of a strong, brave woman who was selfless and generous, and loved her community of Oberon.

Doff was born in Picton on February 12, 1924. She was christened Dorothy Vernon Haddon, after the famous Dorothy Vernon of Haddon Hall in England where the Haddon family originated.

Doff was her father's fifth child, being preceded by a step-sister Jean, then Joyce, Wylie and Chas.

Doff and her little brother Berry spent a lovely childhood playing in the bush and gorge at the back of the house, The Point, and riding their scooters.

Doff developed anaemia as a child, and was given the ‘country cure’ by being sent to stay with her grandparents in Goulburn. It was here she became an avid, lifelong collector of stamps. 

Doff wanted to be a nurse, but her parents wouldn’t allow it. Instead, Doff won a Teachers College Scholarship and travelled by train to Sydney every day. She became a wonderful teacher and loved giving knowledge to her students.

Doff loved train travel. She would pre-order tea and the paper, and waited at home every day until she saw the train coming, and then she would run from The Point to the station in order to meet it.

Her father, Charles Goode Haddon, was an engine driver on the railway, and his fireman was Lindsay Gordon Kurtz. Lin met Doff as she hurtled down the hill to the station one day.

Doff and Lin married during the Second World War. Doff thought she had married a railway man, but after Doff finished her scholarship, they purchased “Cowabee”, a property at Canyonleigh with a slab hut and earth floors.

They moved to “Round Hill” at Wilton, but they were finally at home when they bought “Lynden” at Oberon.

Doff worked hard on the land and had a deep attachment to it. She would help out with everything, whether it be shearing, digging weeds, picking rocks or driving a tractor. She even had a truck license. She continued to work in the shearing shed until she was 85.

She had a beautiful garden and held Sunday school at the house. She also lovingly cared for her father until his death at “Lynden”.

Doff and Lin eventually moved to Jenolan Street in Oberon. Doff missed the farm terribly, but they were able to become involved in town activities and play more golf. Doff was dedicated to delivering Meals on Wheels.

Doff and Lin were both very involved with the church. Doff played a big role in fundraising events for the church including raffles, lamb drives and fashion parades. She became sacristan at St Barnabas in Oberon. She was also very involved in the annual flower show.

Doff and Lin went on trips in their caravan every winter. They travelled all over Australia and New Zealand and completed a round-the-world trip.

Doff was a keen gardener and she said her garden was a little bit of heaven on earth. She spent hours in her garden, and it was a beautiful place thanks to her care.

When Lin passed away in 1999, her dogs Mac and Sam became her constant companions. They were a great comfort to her, especially once it was discovered she had vascular dementia.

Doff first lived at Three Tree Lodge in Lithgow, but once Columbia Village was opened, she finally returned to her treasured Oberon.

Doff had many remarkable skills. Her ability with a needle and thread, and needles and wool, were exceptional, and she patiently taught her grandchildren to sew and knit.

Doff was also a wonderful baker, cook and cake decorator. Her grandchildren remember sharing special times cooking with her, and when family members reached a milestone, she would make beautiful handmade and decorated cakes for the celebration.

Doff was also a very talented painter.

Doff loved her family. She was always generous and selfless, and treated all with respect and kindness.

Her family miss her greatly, but it is a comfort that after 19 years of waiting, she is finally back with Lin.