Barbara Kern

Barbara Kern, a devoted wife, proud mother, and cherished grandmother, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family. She was the beloved wife of John Kern for nearly 63 beautiful years. Born to Stanley and Mildred Karbowski, Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings: Stanley Karbowski, Elaine Passero (Anthony), and Mildred Branco (Nunziato). She is survived by her loving husband John of Deptford, NJ; her daughter Stacy Lynn Gray and son-in-law John Gray; and her two adored grandsons, Ryan Joseph Gray and Gavin Christopher Gray, who brought endless joy and light into her life. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law Rose Kuhn, as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews, including Renee, Donna, and Lawrence Branco; Michael and Lisa Passero; Steven Passero; Shirley and Fred Kuhn; Lisa Kern; Tommy and Tina Kern; Daniel Petrusky (Nicole); Chelsea Meredith (Michael); Tina Reardon (Thomas); Michael Passero; Lauren Passero; Allison Campbell; and the youngest ones: Madison, Harper, Aubrey, and Harrison. Barbara spent most of her working life in retail, where her friendly smile and helpful spirit touched countless customers. She worked at Tyco, Kmart, Sears Automotive, Herman’s Sporting Goods, and Lenscrafters, before retiring from Walmart after more than 20 years of dedicated service — including helping to open the very first Walmart store in New Jersey. Above all, Barbara’s greatest joy was her family. She was a humble, generous, kind, and compassionate soul who always put the needs of others before her own. A doting grandmother, supportive mom, and loyal, stoic wife, she filled her home with warmth and love. She cherished hosting holiday celebrations, playing Pokeno with the family, and keeping beloved traditions alive. An animal lover at heart, she always had dogs and cats in her life, cared tenderly for stray pets that found their way to her door (often giving them names), and generously supported the SPCA, animal welfare groups, and various fostering agencies through donations and fundraisers. Family vacations created some of her most treasured memories — sunny days at the Jersey Shore, laughter-filled trips to Hershey Park, Sesame Place, Dutch Wonderland, Storybook Land, and Disney World, and most recently, two unforgettable adventures in Mexico with John- affectionately known as “Unk”, Stacy, John, Ryan, and Gavin, where they shared many smiles and new experiences together. Barbara’s gentle heart, quiet strength, and unconditional love will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and devotion that will continue to live on in her family. A viewing will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. in The Chapel at Boucher Funeral Home, 1757 Delsea Drive, Deptford, NJ, followed by a Funeral Service from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in Barbara’s name to either FRAXA (fraxa.org) or the National Fragile X Foundation (FragileX.org) in honor of her grandson Gavin Gray. For condolences, please visit www.boucherfuneralhome.com

Barbara Kern

November 13, 1941 - April 2, 2026