Eileen P. Kuhns

LIME ROCK — Eileen P. Kuhns, 89, mother of John D. Kuhns of Lime Rock, and a frequent visitor to the Northwest Corner, died March 15, 2013, near where she lived in Rehoboth Beach, Del.She was born April 7, 1923, in Portland, Ore. Mrs. Kuhns came from humble beginnings but led an exceptional life. Orphaned at 2 years old when her mother succumbed to tuberculosis, Eileen was raised by her paternal grandmother who died eight years later. After her 10th birthday Eileen lived for short periods with different relatives until she struck out on her own at 15. Within two years she received a full scholarship to Reed College in Portland, and upon being granted her bachelor’s degree received a scholarship to study at Syracuse University’s Maxwell graduate school, graduating with a Ph.D. in sociology and anthropology. After marrying her college sweetheart, Edward Douglas Kuhns, Eileen pursued a career as a professor, researcher and author. At Montgomery College in Rockville, Md., she was first appointed dean of students, and then executive dean. She subsequently became dean of faculty of Mount Vernon College in Washington, D.C. In 1969, she co-founded Washington International College in Washington, D.C. Later, she taught sociology, anthropology and statistical methodology at American University, George Washington University and finally Catholic University, where she retired as an emeritus professor in education in 2000, after beginning to feel the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.She was a rescuer of stray animals and other living things, and an avid gardener. This April 7 her garden will be awash with the colors of spring for her 90th birthday.Eileen Kuhns is survived by her husband, E. Douglas Kuhns; her four children, John D. Kuhns, D.C. Kuhns, Paul G. Kuhns and Anne (Kuhns) Gude; and eight grandchildren. She taught them all that the world is an open and beckoning place, waiting to give you what you seek to find.