Obituary of Betty L. Kuhn

Kuhn, Betty L. (nee Lang) Advocate of Children, Women and World Peace August 30, 1924-Oct. 19, 2018 Betty Lang Kuhn of Orchard Park, and former long-time resident of East Aurora, died peacefully Friday, October 19, 2018, after a long and joyously purposeful life. She was 94. Betty was born in Buffalo, the daughter of the late Mildred (nee Schwartz) and Harry H. Lang. She graduated from Stephens College in 1944. In 1946, she married Douglas "Doug" W. Kuhn, with whom she raised four children in East Aurora. Betty was a popular nursery school teacher, known for her unique ability to recognize and nurture her young students' talents and budding personalities. She also loved writing, producing, adapting and acting in productions of the Aurora Children's Theater. In the early 1980's, committed to the welfare of young children and their families, Betty founded and served as director of Aurora Community Day Care (now East Aurora Community Nursery). In addition, she served for many years on the board of the Bristol Home in Buffalo, recognizing the importance of quality care for elder women. Together, Betty and Doug were active participants in the Intercultural Programs of the American Field Service (AFS), hosting in their home high school students from around the world. This experience fueled her passion for a world without war and led to her activism as an advocate for peace. Betty's ardent desire to reach out to her fellow global citizens resulted in travels that took her and Doug to numerous countries. She had especially fond memories of visiting elementary schools in Africa. For her family, Betty's legacy is most celebrated for her role as Nana. She has left her 10 admiring grandchildren with so very many stories, experiences, books and memories, both funny and profound. Betty was preceded in death by Doug, her husband of 68 years and their son, Edward C. "Tad" Kuhn, brothers Robert B. Lang and Kurt S. Lang; surviving family includes brother Harry H. Lang of Naples, Fla.; children: Candace K. (Michael) Niznik of Longwood, Fla.; Eric D. (Greyson) Kuhn of Greensboro, N.C.; Kari K. (Peter) Krakow of Ithaca; and Karyn Kuhn spouse of Tad of Osterville, Mass.; grandchildren: Justin, Morgan, Ben, Adam, Warren, Charlie, Hattie, Willa, Hayden and Gabriel; 7 great-grandchildren: Brady, Ryan, Alec, Cole, Lincoln, Margaret and Wheeler; sister-in-law Sandy Lang of Buffalo; and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to offer special thanks to Betty's devoted caregivers Jill Fabian, Kelly Holmes and Jodi Gallson; to the warm and gracious staff at Fox Run, and to the Hospice attendants for their guidance and empathy. A celebration of Betty's life will take place for family and friends next spring.