Ellen Elizabeth Kuhns

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Ellen Kuhns Obituary

KUHNS, ELLEN ELIZABETH SWOMLEY Ellen Elizabeth Swomley Kuhns, of San Diego, died on Saturday, August 29, 2009, at 10:42 a.m. She passed quietly at her residence, Harborview Chateau. Her son Jamie was at her side. There will be no memorial service at her request. Ellen was born on February 6, 1919, in Chester, Pennsylvania and grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She has a BS degree in Physics from Coe College in Iowa and a PhD degree in physics from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. She was an instructor in physics at Connecticut College for Women, New London; Assistant Professor of physics at Douglass College, Rutgers University. Dr. Kuhns moved to San Diego in 1951 with her first husband, Jim Stewart, to work at the U.S. Navy Electronics Laboratory. She was head of the Optical Technology Division from 1966 to 1968. From 1968 until her retirement, she was associated with the Independent Research and Independent Exploratory Development programs at the Naval Ocean Systems Center. Besides her career at NOSC, Dr. Kuhns was chairman of the San Diego County Community Education Resources Advisory Committee; a judge of the Greater San Diego Science Fair, and the first woman to chair the Greater San Diego Industry-Education Council. She was a fellow of the American Physical Society; and honorary member of Delta Kappa Gamma; a member of the Sierra Club, San Diego Natural History Museum, the Zoological Society of San Diego, Point Loma Garden Club, Point Loma Assembly, and the San Diego chapter of Sigma Xi. She has also been listed in American Men of Science and Who's Who of American Women. Ellen was an avid hiker, world traveler, and supporter of the arts. Ellen was married twice, first to Jim Stewart with whom she had a son Jamie, and second to Chuck Kuhns. She is survived by her son, Jamie Stewart of Tustin, CA, stepson Neil Kuhns of Huntington Beach, CA, stepdaughter Lynn Kuhns-Hughes, and step-grandaughters Sara and Linda Sharpe, all of San Diego. If you wish to make a memorial donation, please send them to the San Diego Natural History Museum in her name.

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Sep. 6, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Ellen Kuhns

6 Entries

Jay and Shelly Sourbeer

September 14, 2009

"Miss Ellen" as our boys fondly called her, was a dear friend and a beloved part of our family. We had many fun times together on Albion Street and with her visit to see us in England. She was thrilled to tour the Isle of Wight as it was one land mass she had yet to explore. We shared a passion for travel and a love for our boys. (She adored you, Jamie!) Ellen was humble in discussing her career and always looking ahead to her next adventure. She was one of my dearest friends and we will surely miss her.

Rita McNeely

September 8, 2009

Dear Jaime, Your mother was a most accomplished woman in a field where men expounded leadership. I shall always remember her as a quiet, unassuming person who was responsible for many outstanding projects. You were always her 1st priority and she was always very proud of your accomplishments. I shall always remember her as a wonderful friend.

Rita McNeely

Peggy Sigler

September 8, 2009

Dear Family,
Although I knew Ellen mainly as a neighbor, I was amazed at her vitality as an octogenarian even after her eyesight started failing. We would see her walking vigorously through the neighborhood; catching a bus for appointments; and involved in various organizations for greater causes. She was a role model up until a couple of years ago when her health started declining. She was missed when she moved to St. Paul's, and all the more so now.

Martin Kantor

September 8, 2009

As a neighbor and friend of Ellen I'm saddened by her death which I heard about through a very kind phone call from her son Jamie. Although we had driven her to several SDNHM events and many Symphony concerts I was really impressed by her obituary. She was modest about her achievements and credentials and was cheerful company until near the end. We will miss her.

September 8, 2009

Dear Jamie, we knew your mom for many years as a neighbor. We would talk as she walked by our house on her way down the hill to do her banking or have her hair done--in her flats! Also, our kids watered her yard while she travelled--we enjoyed all the plants too. We appreciated her stories of the trips that she and Chuck had. We miss her presence on Albion Street. Betty, Steve, Walter & Libby Allman--927 Albion.

Margaret Cook

September 6, 2009

Dear Jamie,
I only learned this morning through SD.Union of your dear Mothers passing. The last couple of years were challenging in attempting to visit her, and sometime when you have time please call me. You have my phone number,as you called me when Ellen was moved from St.Pauls. I am saddened by your Mothers passing Jamie, but oh my what a wonderful life she had, and travelled the world!. My sincerest expression of sympathy is extended to you. She will be remembered for her fine 2years as president of Pt.Loma Garden club, and trees will be planted in her memory. Again my sympathy Jamie. Sincerely Margaret Cook

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