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In Memory

Barbara S Schutz (Kuhny) - Class Of 1952 VIEW PROFILE

Barbara S Schutz (Kuhny)

Barbara (Schutz) Kuhny

October 19, 1934 - March 22, 2024

Barbara (Schutz) Kuhny passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 22, 2024. She was a loving mother, grandmother and aunt. Her family and many friends will sorely miss her.

Barbara was born in Chicago, Illinois on October 19, 1934 to Edmund and Helen (Smith) Schutz. She was the youngest of four, joining sister Bettye and brothers Charles and John. While still a child, her family relocated to South Bend, where she enjoyed the remainder of her life.

Barbara graduated from Central High School in 1952. She continued her education at Ball State, but paused her college experience before finishing her Bachelor of Arts degree at Bethel College in 1975. She earned a Master of Science in Education from Indiana University South Bend in 1979. Barbara enjoyed a fulfilling career as a teacher for South Bend Community Schools. She started her career at Harrison teaching 4th grade, but was eventually called to her true life’s work of teaching special needs kids at O’Brien, McKinley, and the SNAP Program at Brown.

Barbara married Robert Kuhny on July 19, 1955 in First United Methodist Church of South Bend and together they welcomed four children into the world. Despite their eventual divorce, they remained friends and they enjoyed watching the many adventures and accomplishments of their children, and eventually grandchildren. Barbara is survived by her four children: sons John (Sarah) Kuhny and Thomas (Emily) Kuhny, and daughters Jayne (Tom) Klinker and Nancy (Doug) Sakaguchi. She also leaves behind four granddaughters: Emily (Justin) Budzinski, Natalie Kuhny, Brooke Klinker, and Alex Sakaguchi. Also cherishing her memory are niece Judith Boyd Kelley and many great nieces and nephews. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Charles Schutz and John Schutz; sister Helen “Bettye” Boyd; nieces Susan Schutz Albert and Lucinda Boyd; nephew Glenn Brooks; sisters-in law Jean Schutz and Jan Schutz; and brother-in-law, Hal Brooks.

After retiring, Barbara enjoyed an active life filled with many activities. She loved her 3rd Tuesday Book group, rarely missing a gathering in the 25+ years she was able to attend. She took up knitting late in life, and enjoyed her Knit Group (and appreciated its members patience with her limited skills). She was a member of the “Card Club,” enjoying lifelong friendships with fellow members (Jan, Fran, and Donna) that began at Central High School. She was a member of First United Methodist Church where she was part of the Merrimates Sunday School class for more than 6 decades. She also was a devoted supporter and volunteer of the church’s Soup Kitchen, Upper Room Ministry, and Food Pantry. Even in retirement, she continued her work with children. She served as a reading buddy for young readers at various South Bend schools, volunteered in the nursery and Sunday school program at church, enthusiastically took on the roll of camp “counselor” for First Church’s Summer Day Camp, and even did a stint rocking babies at Memorial Hospital.

A dementia diagnosis over 10 years ago slowed Barbara down a bit, but she continued to enjoy those things that had always meant the most to her: her loving family, her devoted friends, and her supportive church community. She continued to gather with friends at her two books groups, Knit Club, Sorority Alumni Group functions, and Merrimates gatherings. She also cherished each gathering or celebration with her children and grandchildren - especially the annual Clear Lake week, Christmas gatherings, and 4th of July cookouts and fireworks. In recent years, Barbara’s world became a bit smaller due to dementia, but she continued to enjoy the simple things in life. She was happy with a bowl of ice cream, homemade chocolate chip cookie, or chocolate shake. She appreciated a good bowl of soup and loved a great pork tenderloin sandwich. She loved a blue sky and soaking up the sunshine. She continued to enjoy good books and great music. In the end, she was just happy to sit with a dear friend or loved one.

Barbara’s family would like to thank the many individuals that supported and cared for her in the end of her journey. They include caregiver and friend, Bridget; the caregivers of The Caring Cottage on Brandel; and her care team with The Center for Hospice, especially her incredible nurse Nichole. The family is deeply grateful for all of these caregivers who treated mom with grace and love and valued her dignity. Her family is also incredibly touched by those friends who continued to visit and very appreciative of those that continued to send heartfelt cards right up to the end. Everyone who knew Barb well, knows that she was something of a legend for her carefully chosen cards, sincere handwritten notes, and the strange ability to have them arrive precisely on your birthday, anniversary, or other special date. She loved a good card.

Contributions may be made in her memory to A Rosie Place for Children or First United Methodist Church South Bend (Soup Kitchen or Upper Room ministries). In her honor/memory, the family encourages you to send a heartfelt card to a friend or loved one with a good old-fashioned handwritten message. Barbara would really love that!

Friends may visit with the family from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 12, 2024 at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Avenue, South Bend, IN 46628. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.kaniewski.com.

03/25/2024 EJS



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