Kurma Echevarria

My Life Story Kurma (Durfee) Echevarria, 75, of Boise, joined her beloved husband Michael in heaven, Saturday, May 13, 2017. Kurma was born in San Diego, CA on March 22, 1942, and grew up on her family farm in Wendell, ID, attending elementary school at Orchard Valley in a two room schoolhouse, and then graduated from Wendell High School in 1960. Kurma earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Secondary Education from the University of Idaho, and then a Master of Arts in Education, Curriculum and Instruction focused on English as a Second Language, from Boise State University. Kurma began her teaching career as an English Instructor at West Junior High and Boise High School from 1964-1967. During this time she met and married the love of her life, Michael E. Smith. Together they became Papal Volunteers for Latin America, and taught at Colegio de San Carlos in Bogota, Colombia from 1967-1970. Kurma went on to teach English as a Second Language and Adult Education at Big Bend Community College, Boise State University, and Idaho Department of Corrections. Kurma loved to teach students of all nationalities, and she had a remarkable reputation for being a stellar, compassionate, and inspiring teacher, who had a tremendous gift for bringing out the very best in each student, as they achieved academic success to make their dreams come true. Kurma adored her family, and greatly enjoyed spending time with them. As a Master Gardener, Kurma enjoyed transforming landscapes into stunning works of art with interesting lawn shapes and rock formations, and gorgeous flowers interwoven with fruits and vegetables. Kurma is predeceased by her husband, Michael E. Smith; parents: Dale and Clara Durfee; sister, Kathryn. Kurma is survived by her three daughters: Teresa Smith, Christina Smith (Mike) and beloved grandson, Anthony Smith, and Regina (Tim) Fenwick; sister, Ginger Cox; two brothers: Jim (Brenda) Durfee, Dewey (Ynes) Durfee, and numerous nieces and nephews. We love and miss you Kurma, and we know that your loving presence will live on in our hearts forever. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The ARC of Idaho, 4402 Albion St. Boise, ID, 83705, and remembrances may be left for the family at www.AccentFuneral.com.