Beverly Jean Kern

Age 94 of Kalamazoo went to be with the Lord on Monday morning, September 15, 2025. Jean was born in Kalamazoo on December 25, 1930, the daughter of Otto Wayne and Edna May (Patterson) Allen. On January 28, 1951, she married James Gordon Kern who preceded her in death earlier this year. Jean was an avid quilter. She was also a great baker and loved making cookies. Jean loved to sing and was in the Sweet Adelines for many years. She also played violin with the Kalamazoo Symphony. She and Gordon enjoyed wintering in Florida. They also liked camping and fishing with friends and family. Born on Christmas Day, it was no coincidence she also became known for playing the role of Mrs. Santa for many years. Many children in her sphere of influence, besides her own grandchildren, came to know her as “grandma.” She always had food in the house and could make something to eat for a guest in a moment’s notice. Jean was handy with a needle and thread and could repair damaged clothes. She always had just the right fabric on hand to patch anything. Nothing was more important to her than her family and she loved it when they would visit her. Jean is survived by her children, Vickie (Bob) Nakamura, Allan (Mari) Kern; grandchildren, Justin Van Ferrari, Bryan VanAntwerp, Casey Kern, Desire` Kern-Parker, Mary Nakamura-Schmidt, Kevin Suwarsky and Kara Suwarsky; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson; daughters in law, Pam Kern and Tammy Suwarsky; many friends. Besides her husband, Jean was preceded in death by her parents; sons, Kenneth Lee Kern, Gary Kern, Rick Suwarsky.