Josephine G. Kuhn

Josephine G. Kuhn October 12, 1923 – November 16, 2025 Lancaster, Pennsylvania

In Loving Memory of Josephine (Jo/Josie) Gloria Kuhn, who passed away peacefully on November 16, 2025, at the age of 102.

Born in Lancaster, PA on October 12, 1923, Josephine was a daughter of the late Earl R. and Lavinia (Campbell) Harnish. She was the loving wife of the late Harold W. Kuhn, Jr., to whom she was married for 65 years.

Jo is survived by her devoted daughter Bonnie Kuhn Allman (wife of the late George Allman); her cherished granddaughters Kimberly Allman of Bethesda, MD; Jennifer Barto (Michael) of Bloomfield Hills, MI; and Kristina Savage of Lancaster, PA; and by her great-grandchildren Allison, Justin, Joey, Julia, Caroline, Colton, and Grady. In addition to her parents and beloved husband, she was preceded in death by her dear son, Robert A. Kuhn, and by her fifteen siblings: Grace, Paul, John, Margaret, Irene, James, Emma, Viola, Elsie, Lester, Betty, Richard, Robert, Edward, and Thomas.

A proud graduate of West Lampeter High School, Class of 1941, Jo earned her varsity letter in field hockey. Shortly after graduation, during her first job at Hamilton Watch Company, she met her future husband, Harold. They married in 1943, and Harold was immediately deployed to serve in the European Theatre during WWII, where he remained for more than two and a half years. During this time, Jo welcomed their first child, Bonnie, and worked to support her family.

When Harold returned from service in 1945, the couple lived with his extended family while he attended watchmaker school at Hamilton Watch. Their second child, Robert, soon followed. Nine years after Harold’s return from the war, they proudly purchased their first and only home together—where they raised their family and where Jo remained until moving to Homestead Village at age 100.

Jo embraced motherhood and homemaking with devotion. She also worked part-time in retail clothing and was a master seamstress. Energetic and enthusiastic, she loved sports, games, hobbies, and travel. She enjoyed pinochle, gardening, suntanning, summers in Ocean City, NJ, hosting book clubs and Bible studies, cheering on the Nittany Lions, and entertaining family and friends. She loved to tell a good joke. She was an avid walker, a regular tennis player, and a devout Lutheran who faithfully attended Emmanuel Lutheran Church for 82 years.

Volunteerism was an important part of Jo’s life. She served her community in many capacities, including as a Girl Scout Leader, poll worker, chairperson of the Hamilton Park Women’s Club, and as a member of the Order of Eastern Star.

The most important work of Jo’s life was lovingly caring for her disabled son, Robert. Her devotion to him was unwavering throughout his 52 years of life.

Jo was the cherished matriarch of her family. Her absence leaves a profound void in the hearts of those who love her, yet they find comfort in knowing she is now reunited with her husband, Harold; her son, Robert; and her many family members who went before her.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, November 25 at 1:30 PM at DeBord Snyder Funeral Home, 141 E. Orange St., Lancaster, PA 17602. Visitation will begin at 12:30 PM until the time of service. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family at Millersville Mennonite Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 540 W. Walnut St., Lancaster, PA 17603, where Jo was a devoted member for 82 years.