Grandma Kurnitz is a fictional character from the play "Lost in Yonkers," written by Neil Simon. She is the matriarch of the Kurnitz family, known for her tough demeanor and strict parenting style. Despite her stern exterior, she deeply cares for her family and has a complex past that influences her behavior. In the play, Grandma Kurnitz takes in her two grandsons, Jay and Arty, after their mother passes away. Her home becomes a setting for the boys to navigate their grief and learn important life lessons. Throughout the story, her character reveals the struggles of balancing love and discipline within a family.