Obituary
Kathryn “Trina” Fintel Kurtz, born Kathryn Louise Caulboy, was reunited with her Savior on June 4th, 2021. She was born in Oakland, California on April 30th, 1950 to Louis Caulboy and Mary (Losa) Jones. She was a lifelong resident of Northern California.
Trina was preceded in death by her second husband Robert Dale Kurtz in 2020, her father Louis in 2017, her mother Mary in 2014, her daughter Kathryn Nang Fintel and first husband John Christopher Fintel, II in 2001, mother-in-law Averil (Courtright) Fintel in 2000, and father-in-law Arthur R. Fintel, Jr. in 1973.
Trina is survived by her five younger siblings, Linda Caulboy, Marcella Smith, Joseph Caulboy (Theresa), Peter Jones(Cherri), and Paul Jones (Claudette). She is survived by her children Lisa Fintel, Aaron Fintel, Holly Green (Bill), Gloria Goodman (Rob), Julianne Houck (Ross), and John M. Fintel (Adriana). She is survived by 12 grandchildren, Nathan, Christina, Lauren, William (Aubrey), Merrick, Elijah, Derek, Claire, Amira, Carson, Hayden, and Haley. She is survived by her brothers-in-law Tom Fintel and Charles Fintel (Hertha), and sister-in-law Virginia Justus. She is also survived by her many beloved nieces and nephews.
Trina met John, the love of her life, on a blind date the day after Valentine’s Day in 1969 and married him eight months later on October 18th when they were only 19 and 23 years old. Over the next 31 years of marriage, they raised 7 children together. Trina and John also extended their love in this life through adoption and becoming foster parents to many children over the years.
Trina worked from home until her youngest child started school. Her professional ventures included working as a childcare provider, a cashier, a bookkeeper, as postmaster relief in Vineburg California, and owning a framing business with her first husband John back in the 1980’s. She continued working until very recently retiring from her lengthy career with the State of California.
Trina graduated from St. Elizabeth High School in 1968. She studied Business Administration at Chabot Jr. College in 1968, Santa Rosa Jr. College in the 1980’s, and College of the Redwoods in 2000.
Trina received an award of recognition from the United States Navy for her contributions in patient care at Oak Knoll Naval Hospital during the Vietnam War. Trina also received numerous awards for her participation in The Boy Scouts of America, as she raised Eagle Scouts and children who moved up the ranks and became Explorer Scouts.
Trina enjoyed serving the Lord through her many callings for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the 1980’s until 2020. Her favorite calling was teaching children in Primary, and she greatly enjoyed watching those children grow up and fulfill their lifelong dreams. Her most recent calling was Chorister, in which she continued to serve until she was no longer able.
When Trina had free time, she joyfully spent it with her family, going on adventures, and going on adventures with her family. She had the powerful drive and dedication to explore her infinite and diverse talents and hobbies and enjoyed staying active. She started ballet at the age of 50 and was dancing en pointe at 60! She taught herself to play piano. Trina also enjoyed crocheting, shopping, and experiencing fine chocolates.
In her last few years, Trina directed her drive and dedication toward her passion for creating and distributing “blessing bags” for people experiencing homelessness. Trina was truly selfless and kind, and always stepped up to help others. She was a clever problem solver with a big heart.
When speaking of her time as a foster parent and primary teacher, Trina expressed that her efforts to help children “felt like launching arrows of hope and goodness into the future, but never knowing if or how they land.”
Trina, Kathryn, Daughter, Dear, Wife, Auntie, Friend, Sister, Grandma, Mom, Mommy: Your arrows are landing. We’re proud of you, we love you, we miss you, and we are so honored to have been included in your beautiful journey.