Gwendolyn Zerie Kuhn

?December 29, 1931 – ?October 27, 2014

Gwen Kuhn, 82, passed away peacefully on October 27?, 2014? of complications from a stroke. She was surrounded by her three children and held in the hearts of countless friends and extended family.

She is remembered as an independent spirit who loved an adventure, her church, and her beloved family and friends. She had softness in her presence that made you feel welcome, and a kindness about her that was contagious. And yet, Gwen was a fighter. She knew what she stood for and was a pillar of strength.

Gwen was born in Seattle on December 29, 1931. She was raised in the Northwest and continued on to raise her family here. She attended Franklin High School and went on to work at the City of Seattle where she met Carl Kuhn in her early 20’s and was married on May 29, 1954. Together they built their home on Mercer Island that Gwen resided in until her illness. In 1957, they welcomed their first of four children – Scott. Over the next 10 years, they welcomed Kris, Doug, and Karen.

Gwen filled her days with raising her four beautiful and energetic children. Gwen’s strength and patience became clear to all during the time she remained home raising the four young kids while Carl was serving in Vietnam for a year.

She served her community well including the PTA, Mercer Island Women’s Club, Mercer Island Republican Women, Precinct Committee member, and Mercer Island Presbyterian church (since 1959!) serving in the choir, as a Deacon and Stephen Minister, and in many other ways. She was a faithful neighbor for 58 years, an active lady, and a giving, loving and compassionate grandma and mom. Some of her favorite memories are from time spent together with family in Mexico and at the family home on Vashon.

In her retirement years, Gwen kept active with the above as well as Golf, Out to Lunch Bunch, attending her grandchildren’s events and babysitting pleasures, Husky football games, the 5th Avenue and Village Theaters, and a bundle of friendships which she honored and dearly enjoyed. Gwen loved to travel with friends – and in her 80’s was known to kiss stingrays and ride the longest and tallest zip line in the world. What a gal! What a life!

Gwen is survived by her son Scott (Cathy) of Bellevue, WA, daughters Kris (Archie) of Bellevue, WA, Karen (Philipp) of Mercer Island, WA, and her daughter-in-law Dana of Selah, WA. She leaves behind her amazing 8 grandchildren – Rachael, Sophie, Dain, Peter, Caleb, Jack, Carl & Amelie. She was predeceased by her sister, Charlotte, her husband Carl, and her son Doug (she has a big rooting section for her in heaven!) Her niece, Cherie (Jim) and family are special to her as well.

A memorial service is planned for Sunday, November 9th at 1:00pm at Mercer Island Presbyterian Church, 8605 84th Ave SE, Mercer Island. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to the MUSIC memorial fund at MIPC. Arrangements by Sunset Hills.