Jean Mary Kuhns

1932 - 2023

Jean Mary Keller Kuhns, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on June 15th, 2023, at her home in Purcellville, Virginia surrounded by her family. She was born in Greensburg, Pennsylvania in 1932 to Elmer and Marie Keller (Gobrecht) and grew up in a close-knit family with many cousins and friends. Jean graduated from Penn State University in 1954 with a degree in Physical Education.

Jean married Donald R. Kuhns in June 1955, and they moved to Puerto Rico where Donald was stationed with the 28th Air Rescue Squadron on Ramey AFB. Son Mitchell was born a year later. They moved back stateside in 1957, living in Pittsburgh, PA, Falls Church, VA, and Bishop, CA before finally settling in Stratford, CT for 15 years where their daughters, Rosemary, and Rebecca, were born. In 1977, the Kuhns family moved to Herndon, VA. Jean moved to Purcellville, VA in 1998.

Jean's love of Physical Education was evident throughout her life. She served as Director of Youth Activities at Ramey AFB, Recreation Director at Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA, and was a Physical Education and Aquatics Instructor at both the University of Bridgeport in CT and for Northern VA Community College. She was an Aquatics Instructor in nearly every place she lived, teaching at YMCAs and neighborhood pools; at both the Reston and Herndon Community Centers; the Ida Lee Recreation Center and finally at Franklin Park near Purcellville. She taught countless kids and adults to swim throughout her 70-year career. She participated on the Aqua Maids synchronized swim team in Stratford and coached youth synchronized swim teams in both Stratford and Reston. Jean also jointly organized the Herndon Developmental Swim League, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

Jean was a Girl Scout for over 25 years, serving as a leader for fifteen and as Service Unit Manager for three while in Herndon. She was a member of the Gotta Dance Troupe, a tap-dancing group in Sterling for several years. Jean was a talented artist who especially enjoyed painting with watercolors. She was a skilled seamstress, sewing holiday outfits for her grandchildren each year. Jean was a devout member of St Peter's Episcopal Church in Purcellville and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Herndon. She loved swimming, gardening, the beach, and a warm weather. Above all Jean loved her family.

Jean is survived by her children, Mitchell Kuhns (Kate) of Wilmington, DE; Rosemary Keelor (Richard) of Round Hill, VA; and Rebecca Kuhns of Purcellville, VA. She is also survived by five grandchildren - Emily Petka (Kuhns), Paul Kuhns, Sarah, Grace, and Olivia Keelor- and one great-grandson, Jordan Petka. She was predeceased by her husband Donald R. Kuhns, by her parents, Elmer and Marie Keller and by her brother Daniel Keller.

Friends and family are invited to come together to honor and celebrate Jean's life on July 1st at 1pm at the home of Samuel Page,17586 Evers Ct, Hamilton, Virginia. Jean will be laid to rest at Arlington Cemetery with Donald at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork St. #405, Winchester, VA 22601.

Jean Mary (nee Keller) Kuhns