Sharon Kern

Sharon Jane Kern, 72, died peacefully at Providence Alaska Medical Center on May 10, 2011, after a courageous battle with brain cancer.

She was a lifelong resident of the Matanuska Valley. For the last few years she and her husband, Dave, had become snowbirds, residing in Yuma, Ariz., during the cold winter months.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Michael, and her parents, Ray and Margaret McCartney.

She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Edward "Dave" Kern; her son, David and his wife Kami of Oregon; her son, Ken and daughter-in-law Kathy of Palmer; and her son, Jason of Anchorage. She also leaves her twin sister, Karen Clements of Arizona; her brother, Robert "Bugs" McCartney of Palmer; and her sister, Jackie Whipple of New Hampshire. Sharon will be missed by her grandchildren, Jacob, Jenna, Jesse, Jasmine, Jessica, Jayla, Michael and Keith.

Sharon generously gave of her time and energy to many organizations, including Bishops Attic, the Palmer Food Bank and the Salvation Army. She was named "volunteer of the year" in 2005.

Prior to her retirement in 1998, Sharon worked at the Matanuska Valley Bank and the Palmer Junior Middle School.

She was a loving wife, mother, sister and friend and will be missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Palmer Food Bank, P.O. Box 579, Palmer, or the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 1106, Palmer.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Michael's Catholic Church Monday at noon, with a reception immediately afterward at the church.

"In her life, Sharon loved to travel, visiting many areas of the world with her husband, Dave. She was well known in the Valley for her baking, which she loved to do and share. She felt it was her duty to 'give back to others in need' for all the blessings she had received. She truly loved to open her home to others with an honest hospitality that put everyone at ease," her family said.