Janet Theresa Kern

Janet Dorothea Theresa O’Brien Kern, beloved wife of Mark Kern and mother to sons Brian and John. Janet was born December 20th, 1957 to James and Anna O’Brien, the fourth of what would be nine children.

Even as a child, Janet was known for trying to look after everyone, sometimes even being called “little grandmother” by one of her relatives. Janet’s urge to help others was reflected in both her personal and professional lives, from aiding members of her family to her time as a postal worker, when she took on the work of shop steward, craft director, state education director, and later local and national arbitration advocate. She was a source of strength to those around her, a pillar they could lean on at need, an excellent listener, and always full of advice.

Janet loved to read, and to watch movies and shows. She was particularly fond of mysteries and crime shows, truly anything that engaged her mind. She sang, she joked, she comforted, she protected. Janet’s life was centered on love for her family, her husband and sons, her parents, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, with her faith in God allowing her to find strength beyond even what she believed herself capable of possessing, regardless of hardship or her own fears. Janet believed in all of us, and was always there to help when we stumbled, to kiss our boo-boo’s, give aid, or provide a shoulder to cry on.

Janet passed away on October 9th, 2025. Wife and mother, daughter and sister, aunt and niece, co-worker, mentor, and friend, we love you so much. We will miss you every day until God brings us back together.

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