Vivian J. (Redmond) Kuhn

Vivian Jane Redmond Kuhn was born in New Bedford, PA, May 18, 1933, but lived most of her life in Toronto, Ohio.  The 4th of 12 siblings during the Great Depression, she cared for her younger brothers and sisters and earned money for the family through babysitting, working at the Manos Theater, and, after graduating from THS in 1951, working as a telephone operator at Ohio Bell in Toronto.

In 1954 she married Richard P. Kuhn to whom she bore 7 children.  While meeting the unique challenges of each child, she also sewed, canned, gardened, refinished furniture, and participated in many civic organizations: Jr. Women’s Civic Club parliamentarian; public school PTO secretary; volunteer for the Heart Fund, March of Dimes, Red Cross, and Salvation Army; and leader and trainer for Girl Scouts.  Her church work was also extensive: she cofounded the F.A.I.T.H. organization to benefit St. Francis School, helped establish the R.C.I.A. in Toronto parishes, and served on many committees, boards, and councils.  In the Catholic Women’s Club, she held multiple offices, including president in her local parish, in the deanery, and at the diocesan level.  She also served as province director, started a diocesan-wide newsletter, "The Spirit," and instigated a yearly idea-sharing meeting of deanery presidents.  In 2001 she was honored with a papal award for service.

Anyone who has worked with Vivian can attest to her organizing skills, creative energy, and untiring optimism, no matter how daunting the task.  She touched more people than we’ll ever know, whether through mediation, consoling words, encouragement, guidance, or physical assistance.  Alzheimer’s disease may have finally stolen her words and reason, but it never weakened her impulse to comfort and cheer all she met.

Vivian was reclaimed by her Maker September 16, 2015, while at Memories of Marie. She is preceded in death by her parents, Frank O. and Lillian H. (Streb) Redmond; sisters, Dolores Kuhn and Ailene; brothers, Bob, Paul, Frank, Ray, Richard, and Tom; and an infant son, Richard.  Remaining are her husband Dick; sisters, Carol Ely and Linda Hodgkiss; brother Don; children Karen Shell, Dan, Susan, Ginny, Joanne Rutsky, and Patti Davis; grandchildren Sgt. Peter and Rev. Jonas Shell, and Anthony and Nicholas Rutsky; and a great-grandchild Andrew Shell.

Calling hours are Sunday (9/20) at J.E. Foster Funeral Home 701 Findley St. in Toronto, from 2–4 and 6–8, with a vigil service at 7:30 pm.   Funeral Mass is at St. Francis Church Monday, 11:00 am, officiated by Father Jonas Shell. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in her name to St. Francis Church or the Catholic Women’s Club 1225 North River Ave. Toronto, OH, 43964. www.jefosterfh.com

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