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Onondaga County is mourning the loss of Mary Kuhn, a former county legislator, who passed away at the age of 76 after a battle with cancer. Kuhn served as a legislator from 2019 to 2023, representing a district that included parts of Syracuse and DeWitt. Her husband, David Thomas, confirmed her passing and described her as "a plainspoken, forthright person who considered the less-advantaged and downtrodden as people who should be respected and lifted up."
Before entering politics, Kuhn worked as a licensed social worker in the Onondaga County mental health department, focusing on children's welfare. Her friend and fellow former legislator, Peggy Chase, recalled Kuhn's compassion and intelligence, saying, "The world has lost a really good person. She was so smart and so compassionate." Chase also noted that Kuhn would likely have been leading protestors at the "No Kings Rally" in Syracuse around the time of her passing.
Kuhn is survived by her husband, two sons, and two grandchildren. Her contributions to the community, both as a legislator and a social worker, have left a lasting impact on those she served.