Mary (Varley) Kuhn, formerly of Quaker Hill, died peacefully on Friday, Feb. 26, 2016, at Fairview Odd Fellows Home of Connecticut.
Mary was born on Dec. 29, 1926, in Philadelphia, Pa., one of identical twins, to Joe and Besse Varley. She grew up in Milwaukee, Wis., and later relocated for her undergraduate and doctoral studies at the University of Texas, Austin. She was an avid reader and accomplished student, graduating with honors and achieving her Ph.D. in psychology at age 25. She followed with a post-doctoral fellowship in clinical psychology at the Menninger Foundation, then in Topeka, Kan.
Mary moved to New England with her then husband, H.R. Kuhn, living and working in New York City and New Haven before settling in the New London area with their two children. A rich career in child development began when she joined the faculty of Connecticut College in New London. This was followed, primarily, by work as a research associate at the Yale Child Study Center in New Haven, and as a consulting clinical specialist with the Storrs Child Development Clinic, and the Ergdorf Pediatric Health Center in Hartford. Her most satisfying professional role was her last, at the Children’s School (now within the Children’s Program) of Connecticut College, working with parents and teachers of children with special needs.
Mary continued to find a meaningful life after her retirement. She relished her home in Quaker Hill, with its overlook view. She continued to be guided by the importance of family, friends, and community, including her Quaker Meeting. She maintained a regular practice of energetic walking, meditation, gardening, and volunteer work. Most of all, she was a patient, generous, and caring mother and grandmother, and devoted many hours of her later years to her three grandchildren.
Mary was predeceased by her twin, Marge Varley, and her older sister, Ginny McFarland; and by her beloved companion, Gerry St. Germain.
She is survived by her daughter, Kris Kuhn and her husband, Tom Tobin; her son, Mark Kuhn and his wife, Nicolette Doukas; her granddaughter, Lauryl Kuhn Spera and her husband, Aaron Spera, and their children, Sofia and Nikola; and grandchildren, Joseph Kuhn and Rachel Kuhn.
Her family especially will remember her discerning intelligence, her special wit and sense of humor, and her empathic nature, as well as her delighted exclamation in such simple moments as witnessing a whirlwind of leaves.
They want to express particular thanks to the Fairview staff, whose fabulous care was based on a deep knowing and appreciation of who Mary was, and who helped to create a real home for her.
A memorial service (meditation format with opportunity to share) for family and friends will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 26, 2016, at the New London Friends Meeting House, 176 Oswagatchie Road, Waterford. Park nearby at the Oswagatchie Fire Department, 441 Boston Post Road; shuttle provided.
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