Sandra Louise Kern

Sandra Louise Kern, 83, of Noblesville, passed away on January 23, 2025 from dementia.

She was born in Indianapolis to Robert and Frances Thomas on September 3, 1941. After graduating from North Central High School in 1960, Sandy went to work at Farm Bureau Insurance. Sandy married the love of her life, Steven Kern, in 1966. For years, her bridal photo hung in the L.S. Ayres department store in downtown Indianapolis.

After her daughter Kristina was born, Sandy found her passion in teaching young children. In 1975, she received her certification from the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) in Atlanta, Georgia. Sandy then owned a private Montessori preschool in Castleton, where she served as directress.

At the age of 43, Sandy decided to become a first time college student. By taking the maximum course load each semester year-round, she graduated from IUPUI in just 2½ years.

Wanting to serve where she was most needed, Sandy began a career teaching in the Montessori magnet program in Indianapolis Public Schools in 1987. When needed, Sandy quietly fed and clothed her students, and paid their book rental and field trip fees. In the time before cell phones, Sandy visited her students’ homes for parent-teacher conferences. Hundreds of Indianapolis children benefitted from her loving care and teaching. Sandy retired from teaching in 2003 to care for her first granddaughter.

Sandy was predeceased by her parents and five siblings: Carolyn Thomas; Judy Tyree; Bob Thomas, Jr.; Rick Thomas, Sr.; and Dennis Thomas. She leaves behind her husband Steve, daughter Kristina Kern Wheeler, and granddaughters Maggie and Sadie Wheeler.

Donations to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) or the Indianapolis Public Schools Foundation (ipsfund.org) in Sandy’s memory are welcome and appreciated.