Fayma Alice Kuhn passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 8th at the French Manor Green House surrounded by family and dear friends. She was born on August 29th 1935. Fayma lived a big life. She was a true character. Like any beloved character in a good book, television show, or film, time did not diminish her spirit. Her absence will be deeply felt by everyone who knew her. She married Deane (Harold) Kuhn on October 19, 1957 and they made their home in Traverse City.
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Fayma was vibrant, funny, generous, exuberant, and kind. She was a stranger to no one and always had a kind word for everyone she came across. She dressed to the nines, accenting every outfit with lots of sparkly costume jewelry. She was a true social butterfly and regularly met friends for lunch at Traverse City hotspots. Fayma also looked forward to lunch dates with son Mike and the scenic drive around the area afterward. A highlight of her week for many years was a standing appointment at Murra's Beauty Salon to see longtime friend Linda Lichty and catch up on the week's happenings with the "regulars."

Fayma was a voracious reader, loved to watch movies and enjoyed playing the slots at the casino with Deane. She was also a garage sale queen! She couldn't pass up a deal and collected treasures for decades; often giving away her best finds to her kids and friends.
She had a flair for decorating and worked for many years as a floral designer. Fayma often arranged flowers for her church and beautiful weddings for family and friends. She had an affinity for making artistic bows and decorated incredible holiday wreaths to give to her "specials". She enjoyed serving as a National Cherry Festival Queen Chaperone for 15 years and modeled stylish outfits for several local businesses. She was a longtime member of West Bay Covenant Church, the Elks Lodge, Symphony Women's Club, Republican Women, and Christian Women's Club.

Fayma, her husband Deane and their three children took countless trips to Florida in their motor home with friends. She also traveled abroad on many occasions. She thoroughly enjoyed the holidays, especially her birthday. She was so loved that her birthday celebration couldn't be confined to a single day. The month of August was jokingly dubbed "Fayma-kah" by our family. A three week stretch of lunch and dinner engagements, flowers, and presents was the norm.

Fayma was proud of her grandchildren. In her eyes, they were the brightest, most accomplished, best dressed, gifted athletes and musicians on this Earth! Grandma Kuhn was a great conversationalist-words like "wondrous" and "glorious" could precede any noun. Over the years she passed along these valuable Rules to Live By:

-Never drive past a good garage sale.
-Always have a kind word for others.
-Never go anywhere without lipstick!
-Be a good friend! Call your favorites "Lil' Buddy."
-Celebrate every holiday in a BIG way!
-A Turtle sundae is always a good idea!
-When being photographed say… "I'll take 20 of those!"

Fayma loved to entertain, a constant stream of friends and family stopped by. We are grateful for the impeccable care that she received from the exceptional staff at French Manor Green House. They doted on her constantly and treated her like family. Bless you Marissa, Katie, and Beth for visiting mom at Munson- it meant so much to her. We are so grateful that Hospice of Michigan was able to provide mom comfort and attentive care as well.

She is survived by daughters, Kathee (John) McCafferty of Traverse City, Debra (Dean) Clem of Okemos, son Michael Kuhn of Traverse City, brother, Herbert (Jane) Steed; six grandchildren: Alexis, Jillian, Courtney, Caitlyn, Madison, Mathew; and a daughter in law Laura. She was preceded in death by her husband Deane, parents, Herb & Lucille Steed, sister Myrna, and Aunt Eloise Guernsey.

The world will shine less brightly without Fayma in it, but she will surely live on in the memories of her loved ones. Rest easy, Kemosabe.

Visitation for Fayma will take place Monday, March 13 from 5 until 8 p.m. at The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. The memorial service celebrating her life will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 14 at West Bay Covenant Church (12720 S. W. Bayshore Drive) with Pastor Kent Anderson officiating. Burial will take place at a later time in Cornell Cemetery near Buckley.

To honor Fayma, the family requests that donations be made to Fayma's Memorial Garden of Peace c/o Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City 49684. (Please make checks payable to Kathee McCafferty)