MaryAnn D. Kern

SEPTEMBER 12, 1939 - MAY 14, 2025

OBITUARY TO BE POSTED FRIDAY MAY 16, 2025

Joseph G. Buchheit and Marie Gehringer Buchheit welcomed their eldest child, MaryAnn to the world on September 12, 1939.  Little brother, Michael J. Buchheit and MaryAnn were raised by their parents in their home on 8th Street in the Fairhill neighborhood of Philadelphia.  TheBuchheit family were members of St. Bonaventure Roman Catholic Church, 9th and Cambria Streets, and MaryAnn attended grade school at the Parish School.  For High School, MaryAnn attended Little Flower High School and graduated in 1957.

MaryAnn met the love of her life, Richard L. Kern, on March 17, 1959 at a dance held at the Brookline on the Boulevard and were married on January 21, 1961.  MaryAnn and Dick raised their children; Richard R. "Rick" Kern Sr. born in November 1963, James S. "Jim" Kern born in April 1965, and Donna M. Kern McElhattan born in March 1968 in their Algard Street home in the Mayfair section of Philadelphia.

MaryAnn and family were members of St. Timothy's R.C. Church for approximately 45 years.  Mom and dad would chaperone the grade school dances on Friday nights and the roller skating on Saturday nights.  Also, MaryAnn ran one of the booths for the parish annual mid-winter festival.

If you knew her, she was always trying to please you.  Especially if you came to visit, she would be constantly asking if you wanted to eat, needed something to drink, or did you want a snack or dessert!  MaryAnn loved her sweets!  Also, she loved going out to eat! MaryAnn loved her family and enjoyed vacationing together In Wildwood Crest, NJ or up at Lake Wallenpaupack, PA.  She was happiest when everyone was together!

She is survived by children and spouses: Rick & Diane Kern, Jim & Beth Kern, Donna & Rick McElhattan and her grandchildren: Richard R. "Rick" Kern Jr. and his wife Emily Passafiume Kern, Jaclyn M. Kern Vasey and her husband Sean Vasey, Lindsay E. Kern Trawick and her husband Kenny Trawick, Brendan E. Kern and his wife Megan Flaherty Kern, Robert M. Kern, James A. "JAK" Kern, Ryan D. McElhattan, and Kyle J. McElhattan and his wife Erin Good McElhattan.

Also, MaryAnn is survived by her great-grandchildren: Waverly Trawick, Rory Kern, Quinn Vassey, Niamh Kern, Archer Vasey, and Rowan Trawick. Two more are on the way this fall and unfortunately, she will never meet them.Additional family members: Michael J. Buchheit and Kathleen B. Buchheit (brother and sister-in-law), Donald and Cyndi Kern, David Kern and their families (nephews and spouses), Michael and Kris Buchheit and their family (nephew and spouse), Lisa and Michael Burdick and their family (niece and spouse).MaryAnn was predeceased by Joseph G. and Marie Gehringer Buchheit (parents) William L. and Hazel Preiss Kern (parents), William L.  and Lois W. Kern (brother-in-law and sister-in-law) Nancy Kern Andersen (Niece) and Cindy Santa Croce Kern, (Neice), and Joan Eckhardt (her best friend and sister she never officially had)

MaryAnn passed away on Wednesday May 14th after spending the last year and half living at Yardley Rehab.  In September 2023, she experienced a horrific fall at a local hospital and never went home afterwards.

May she rest in peace and thank God that she no longer is in pain!

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Memorial Gathering Friday May 23, 2025, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am at Queen of the Universe Church, 2443 Trenton Road, Levittown, PA 19056. Mass of Christian Burial is at 11am. Interment will be later and is Private. Please visit MaryAnn's photo gallery on this site.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to:

Neumann University

One Neumann Drive

Aston, PA 19014

Attn: University Advancement

Checks can be made payable to:

Neumann University – Brendan P. Kelly Scholarship Fund

Memo line: In memory of MaryAnn Kern