Joan Ann Kern of Mission Hill, Mashpee, and Roslindale passed away peacefully but unexpectedly in her sleep on April 13, 2026 at the age of 83, at home in Roslindale. Born in Boston on May 24, 1942 to the late Harold and Ellen (Pickett) McCaig, Joan relished her position as the fourth oldest of eight children. It was in this beautifully chaotic environment that she learned the importance of family, love, kindness, and forgiveness.
Joan married her childhood sweetheart, Edward F. Kern, Jr. on June 2, 1962 at the age of 20. They were married until Ed’s death in 2010. Joan is survived by her sons Edward J. Kern and his wife Beth of Hopkinton, Stephen F. Kern and his wife Susan of Chestnut Hill, Michael V. Kern and his wife Christine of West Roxbury, and John H. Kern and his wife Gloria of Roslindale. Loving “Nana Joanie” of Brittany, EJ (Lauren), Kenny (Bora), Andrew (Andie), Cal, Sarah, Matthew, Erin, and Katie. Great grandmother of Eloise Joan “Ellie”.
“Joanie” is also survived by three sisters, Mary and her husband John O’Brien, Margie and her husband Jim Lester, and Ann McCaig, as well as her brother-in-law Paddy Gleeson, husband of her late sister Theresa, sister-in-law Anne Kern, wife of her late brother-in-law Harry Kern. She was predeceased by her brothers Harkey and Gerry, her sisters Ellen “Sis” and Theresa, her sister-in-law Alice, and brother-in-law Harry. Together they gifted her the title of “Auntie/Aunt Joan” to Joey, Billy, Michelle, Elaine, Bob, Deb, Phil, Joe, Stacey, Donna, Ricky, Katie, Brian, Jen, Greg, Liz, and the late Christopher, as well as great aunt and sister-in-law to many more people in her “Circle of Love”. Joan was blessed with many close friends throughout her life whose love and friendship she cherished dearly.
Joan graduated from Mission High School in 1959. She later earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Cambridge College. She worked for 30+ years at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in the Care Coordination/Social Work Services Department.
Visiting Hours at the William J. Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre St., West Roxbury on Wednesday, April 22nd from 3:00-7:00PM. Funeral from the funeral home, Thursday, April 23rd at 8:30AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Mission Church) at 10:00AM.
A separate Graveside Service will be held at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne on April 30th at 11:15AM.
Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made in Joan’s name to her favorite charitable organization, Xaverian Brothers High School at www.xbhs.com/gifts-in-memory or at 800 Clapboardtree Street, Westwood, MA 02090.