Kathleen Diane Kuhn

Kathleen "Kathy" Kuhn passed away at the age of 76 on January 19, 2026 after a brief hospital stay in Plattsburgh, NY. She grew up in the St. Louis area, a place she returned to visit many times throughout her life. Her parents lived through the Depression, and their resilience and ability to find joy in simple things were inspirational to Kathy. Her upbeat, outgoing personality led her to receiving a spirit award her senior year of high school and over the years she always got a kick out of being reminded that she was “the friendliest girl at Mehlville.”

Kathy left college early to get married and start a family with her husband, Steve. Being a mother was something she always wanted and was a very important part of her life. She is survived by her three children, Matt (spouse Amy), Tyler (spouse Jen), and Patrick. She also loved becoming a grandmother and is survived by her grandchildren, Avery, Aiden, Declan, and Jett.

Kathy and her family relocated numerous times due to her husband’s job opportunities. Her friendliness and her involvement in her church community helped her to make new friends wherever she went, many of whom she remained in contact with for years after. Her faith was an important part of her life. It allowed her to build community in new places and gave her peace and comfort during difficult times. Kathy was an avid reader and had a chance to work as a school librarian for a few years at one of the schools her children attended. Later she went back to college to become a teacher and she enjoyed trying to impart her love of reading to her students and eventually her grandchildren. Her favorite book was To Kill A Mockingbird.

The most important thing to Kathy was spending time with her family and close friends, whether it was hosting holidays and visits at her own home or traveling far and wide to visit people at their homes. After retiring, she braved several cross-country road trips to visit family and briefly relocated to St. Louis to spend time with her mother, brother, and sister-in-law. While living there, she also enjoyed reconnecting with her local cousins and long-time friend, Peggy.

Kathy was predeceased by her parents, Tom and Penny Long, and her in-laws, Carl and Margie Kuhn. In addition to her children, she is survived by her brother, Chris Long, and her 3 sisters-in-law, Marilyn Long, Mary Carroll, and Linda Rasmussen, who she deeply cherished. She’s also survived by all her nieces and nephews, Marissa, Natalie, Nathan, Ted, Adam, Tricia, and Aaron.

Kathy left behind a legacy of love, laughter, and learning. Although Alzheimers erased so many of her memories later in life, she always remembered the idea of family. Even in the toughest times she held on to her optimism and humor. Kathy brought joy to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her and her spirit can live on through the stories she shared, lessons she taught, the laughter and happiness she created. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

A small memorial service will be held in Plattsburgh the first weekend in June for family and close friends. For anyone who would like to do something in Kathy’s honor, the family suggests a donation to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (www.alzfdn.org).