We want to take a moment today to send General Hospital and Days of Our Lives’ Wally Kurth (Ned, Justin) our deepest condolences on the passing of his dear mother, Susie Kurth. The soap vet, who had taken a leave from his band The Day Players, took to social media to pay tribute to his beloved mom and wanted to share some special memories and photos with his followers.

Though he initially posted about Susie’s passing earlier in the week on Facebook, Kurth wanted to include his Instagram followers and stated, “My Mom, Susie Kurth passed away last week, just shy of her 102nd birthday. She was an amazing Mom. I feel so lucky and blessed that I had her deep love and devotion guiding me throughout her long life.”

He went on to recall how she was “always there, encouraging, prodding, sometimes lifting me up and most of all, inspiring me to be a better person” and how “she taught by example… and encouraged all five children to follow their dreams and passions wherever they led us.” Knowing he loved to sing and perform, Kurth expressed, “She made sure I continued it (forcing me to sign up for HS choir) and made me feel I could pursue acting professionally if I chose. It was her voice asking me why I would leave a job I love? Explains how I’ve worked in soaps for the last 40 years.”

Of the personal photos included in the tribute, Kurth continued, “I love this black and white family photo — it was taken at the family cabin on the Gallatin River. Cherished family memories. I was 11, placed in front, being the youngest. Vicki, the oldest, standing next to Mom — who was the center of it all, dressed to play. The star of the show. This photo, for me, represents the incredible family dynamic that raised me,” then went on to add, “Being the youngest I was given a long leash. But Mom knew when to jerk me back and also when to set me free. I can never fully express my gratitude. She was the perfect Mom for me. RIP Susie Kurth.”

Again, we will keep Kurth and his entire family in our thoughts during this difficult time.