WILMINGTON — Deborah Ann “Debbie” Kuhns, 70, quietly passed away Friday, July, 24, 2020.
Debbie was born May 12, 1950, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; grew up in Ohio and New Jersey; graduated from Millburn High School, New Jersey; and went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.
Debbie confronted the challenges of multiple sclerosis, meeting them full force all of her adult years as she energetically, positively and creatively taught special needs middle school students for more than 25 years in the Des Moines, Iowa, public school system, often teaching her classes from a wheelchair when M.S. so dictated. Ultimately, it was not M.S., but COVID-19, that took her from us.
Debbie loved all animals, was a most accomplished trivia expert, a poet publishing her book “Synonyms On Toast”. She was always focused on how she could make a positive impact, as reflected in her sincere, never diminished and enduring smile.
In her last year, she lived in a skilled nursing center, never still, always in her electric wheelchair while visiting her fellow residents enthusiastically piloting her electric wheelchair room by room, driving the halls at a speed that would put Danika Patrick to shame.
No matter her challenges, even in her last days, Debbie was always smiling, bubbly, positive. No one was a stranger.
Debbie was preceded in death by her husband, David Kuhns of Des Moines, Iowa; father, Laforest C. Smith of Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts; and her sweet cat, Abigail.
Survivors include her mother, Judith Smith, formerly of Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts, now of Wilmington; brother and sister-in-law, Peter and Ilene Smith of Old Bridge, New Jersey; brother and sister-in-law, David and Catherine Smith of Southport; and her niece, Elizabeth Catherine Smith of Southport.
Debbie was not a believer in heroic efforts to save her from life-ending medical conditions such as those driven by this pandemic. At the end, her wishes were so honored. The true heroes were all the nurses and the medical team who were by her side 24 hours a day, in her last days, in isolation, when family were not allowed to give Debbie a hug. They supported her and made her comfortable in her last days as she drifted off to sleep. Debbie’s family is thankful for these true heroes during this pandemic.
Debbie will be missed by all who loved and knew her. As we remember her, we will all carry on her smile.
Sensitive to the challenges driven by COVID-19, Debbie will be cremated and ultimately interred at a later date in the family cemetery during a private ceremony in Orleans, Massachusetts.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or the ASPCA.
Andrews Mortuary, Wilmington, and Nickerson Funeral Home, Orleans, Massachusetts, are serving the family.
Share online condolences with the family at Andrews Mortuary & Crematory.
