News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
November 30, 1927 - September 23, 2024
Jean Linda (Fitzpatrick) Kern, born on November 30, 1927, in Susanville, California, passed away on September 23, 2024, in Camp Sherman, at the age of 96. She died of natural causes, surrounded by her loving family.
Jean is survived by her three children: Timothy "Oly" Kern of Hawaii, Larry Kern of Arizona, and Sweet Medicine (Kern) Nation of Oregon. Sister Willa (Fitzpatrick) Sigler of California. Several grandchildren and great-grandchildren also survive her. Jean was preceded in death by her husband Charles Kern and her two siblings, Ethel (Fitzpatrick) Delecce and Lois (Fitzpatrick) Stalter, both of California.
Jean's childhood was spent in one-bedroom log cabins, timber camps in Lassen County, California, and on adventuring dirt logging roads and beyond with her parents, John "Bill" Fitzpatrick and Yvonne (Gousie) Fitzpatrick, and her three sisters. She often shared stories of her early life growing up in logging camps and on almond farms with her father and her mother's hard work to make ends meet. She even spoke fondly of her childhood family pets.
Jean married Charles (Chuck) Kern in 1947, and they embarked on a life filled with adventure, moving to various places including Chico, Gridley, Pittsburg, Stockton, Sacramento, Reno, and Honolulu, Hawaii, where they spent 22 years. She even owned and ran a tax preparation service for numerous years in Honolulu. They later moved to Woodburn, Bethany, and Camp Sherman, Oregon.
Jean cherished her memories with her family and friends throughout her life. She was known for her love of reading, often finishing a whole book in just a day or two, and for her interest in current and historical news and the stock market. She also played the role of family genealogist, connecting all the pieces of her family history. She will be remembered as a wonderful listener, kind, empathetic, and a pillar of the family.
The family is grateful for the condolences, cards, and flowers received and for the kindness of the community.
In place of a funeral service or memorial, per Jean's request donations be made to the Partners in Care in Bend, Oregon, to honor her wishes.
A website has been created to post messages, and memories, and to share photos at https://everloved.com/life-of/jean-kern/.
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