Obituary of Corinne M. Kurgan

Corinne M. (Bertrand) Kurgan, 86, of LaFayette, passed away on May 7, 2022. She was born in June 1935 in Syracuse, NY to the late Sherman and Laura (Ruszczyk) Bertrand. After graduating with honors from E. Syracuse High School, she received a scholarship to the Central City Business Institute.

In April 1959 she married the love of her life, Stanley Francis Kurgan, who passed away in 2008. Corinne was employed at “The Prosperity Co.” in Syracuse for 10 years, only leaving to start a family. Less than a year later, her former boss contacted her, wanting Corinne to be his Executive Secretary at his new business. She was able to work for the Giancola Export Co. from home for many years; then in the Dewitt Office until her retirement in 1997. Corinne’s boss, Donald became part of the family.

Corinne was very active and enjoyed bowling and golf. She even had a hole-in-one- when she was 70! She was proud to be the Chairwoman of the Apple Pie Contest for the Annual LaFayette Apple Festival for decades.

She is survived by: children, Michael and Sharon Kurgan; one grandson, Mak Kurgan; siblings, Sherman (Sheila) Bertrand, Justine (John) Ferrel, Patricia (Warren) Baum, George (Patricia) Bertrand; many nieces; nephews; and sister-in-law, Terry Bertrand. Along with her parents, and husband, Corinne is predeceased by one brother, Richard Bertrand.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, May 16, from 5 pm to 7 pm, at Ballweg & Lunsford Funeral Home, LaFayette. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday May 17, at 10 am, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Dewitt. In lieu of flowers, consider memorial donations in Corinne’s name to: the LaFayette Fire Dept., 2444 US Rt. 11, LaFayette, NY 13084.

To have a memorial tree planted in an area of need in honor of Corinne, or to send flowers for services, please use the Send Flowers link to the left. Online condolences may be left under her Tribute Wall.