Stephanie Diuguid Kuhling

Celebrating the Life of Stephanie Diuguid Kuhling

Stephanie Diuguid Kuhling, 92, of Atlantic Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on October 4, surrounded by the family she cherished. Born May 31, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, to Stephen Sampson and Virginia Davis Diuguid, Stephanie’s life was marked by curiosity, compassion, and an unwavering love for family.

Raised in Rochester, New York, Stephanie went on to attend Duke University, where she earned a degree in Psychology, cheered for her beloved Blue Devils, and began a lifelong devotion to shepherding others. It was during this time that her family relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, where she met and married Dr. Gordon H. Ira Jr. Together they raised four children, and Stephanie poured her energy and heart into creating a loving home while also pursuing her own educational goals. In the late 1960s, she earned her Master’s in Education from the University of Florida, beginning a career that would touch countless lives.

As a guidance counselor at Paxon Middle School and Terry Parker High School, and later as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and psychotherapist, Stephanie was known for her intellect, empathy, and ability to inspire confidence in others. She continued her work well into her seventies, a testament to her passion for helping people grow and heal.

In 1972, Stephanie married Robert Frank Kuhling, blending her four and his three children into a large extended family still strong to this day. For 36 joyful years, Stephanie and Bob built a family life rich with travel, laughter, and adventure. Annual family beach weeks became treasured traditions, and festive celebrations drew many generations into the heart of her home.

Stephanie’s love for life extended well beyond her family. She was deeply engaged in her community throughout her life, serving as president of the Duval County Medical Auxiliary, chairing Arts Festival XIII, sitting on the board of Planned Parenthood of Duval County, and contributing to mental health organizations. She held a special pride in her heritage as a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and she remained devoted to her alma mater through the Duke Women’s Board as well as interviewing many prospective students for admission. At Christ Church, Stephanie was heavily involved in many areas primarily focusing on grief and one-to-one lay caring ministries.

In 2009, Stephanie married Gilbert Chirinos, and together they built 16 loving years filled with faith, friendship, and world travels, from Gilbert’s native Peru to destinations across the globe. They made their home in Ponte Vedra Beach and Atlantic Beach and were longtime members of Christ Episcopal Church.

A woman of many talents, Stephanie cultivated beauty wherever she went—collecting art, tending her gardens, cooking memorable meals, and opening her home with warmth and hospitality to family and good friends alike. She was always active and adventurous, eager to exercise, hike, raft, camp, and travel. Stephanie lived a life rich in love, learning, and supporting others. She will be remembered not only for her many accomplishments but also for her humor, generosity, and the way she made every gathering brighter.

Stephanie’s legacy lives on through her husband, Gilbert; her children, Stephen Ira, Cyndy Reynolds (Perry), Greg Ira (Ami), and Cliff Ira (Megan); stepdaughters, Carol Kuhling Barrett (AJ) and Barbara Chirinos (Danal); stepdaughters-in-law, Michelle Wilcox and Lilian Morvay; daughter-in-law, Martha Ira;  grandchildren, Christine Stahl (Al) and Dr. Stephanie Ira; her step-grandchildren, Galen Barrett (Jennifer), Ian Barrett (Salka), Norma Kuhling, Talene Orlando (Danny), Arianna Injeian, Lisa Owen (Jamie), and James Reynolds (Tracy); and her great-grandchildren, Eleanor, Gordon, and Alice Stahl, Parker and Sophie Barrett, Teddy and Reed Orlando, Gillum and Jay Owen, and Lela and Clara Reynolds: nephews, Brad Diuguid (Amy) and Chris Diuguid.

She was predeceased by her son, Gordon Henry Ira III; her parents; her brother, Philip Diuguid; her husband, Robert Kuhling; and stepsons, Robert Kuhling Jr. and Michael Kuhling.

Stephanie’s family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care she received at Fleet Landing’s Derfer Pavilion and from Community Hospice.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Christ Church in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL on Friday, October 17 at 11AM.

Those who wish to honor her memory may consider a donation to First Coast No More Homeless Pets, 6817 Norwood Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32208, a cause dear to Stephanie’s heart.