Judy Kern

Judy Marie (Lowry) Kern, 75, died surrounded by her family on Friday, Feb. 19, 2016. She was born on Nov. 14, 1940, in Cardston, Alberta. She moved to Missoula with her family when she was a teenager. As a young woman, she found purpose in the numerous jobs she worked—most notably as a nurse’s assistant at St. Patrick Hospital. She charmed her way into the position despite a complete lack of experience, but took to it quickly and maintained a passion for the medical field throughout her life.

She married Leo J. Kern on Dec. 11, 1959. Over their 57 years of marriage they had two children, Kenneth Kern and Debra (Kern) Beye. A devoted grandmother to her six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, she stopped at nothing to make sure all kids had fun at her house. She was incredibly successful in this endeavor. Perhaps her greatest attribute, though, was her toughness. Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the young age of 30, she consequently endured over 70 surgeries throughout her life. Her best days were spent working on projects—baby blankets, canning, crafting, etc. She had a circle of close friends that she shared many adventures with. She laughed hard and was completely forthright in how she approached the world.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Cyril and Verda Lowry and and one sibling. She is survived by her husband; two children; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; six brothers and two sisters.

A celebration of Judy’s life will be held in Missoula at the Sunset Funeral Home, 7405 Mullan Road, Friday, Feb. 26 at 1 p.m.