Pearl Irene McKernan

Pearl was born on February 14, 1944 in Everett, WA to William (Barney) and Ruth Wright. Her sister, Marlaine (Olson), was born 7 years prior. Although they were 7 years apart they were very close and would stay in touch by going to lunches even up to a few years ago.

In her twenties she worked for Simpson-Lee Paper in Lowell, WA. She met her future husband, Larry, through a mutual friend and spent their first date clam digging. They married in August 1970.

In their early life together they would camp at Fort Casey, Wenberg, Deception Pass, and Squire Creek with their two daughters, Jennifer and Heather. Later, they spent many summers as a family traveling. From Yellowstone to Disneyland, it seemed like an adventure was always awaiting… and all by car. On some nights Larry would turn off all the lights and light kerosene lamps and candles. They would then gather around the record player listening to Johnny Cash and Elvis with the love of music and simplicity present.

When the girls were in elementary school, Pearl often volunteered in classrooms and Field Days at the end of the school year. She then started a long career in grocery stores first starting at Thrifty Foods in Arlington, WA. She tried various positions briefly until she settled into her role as Courtesy Clerk. Once Thrifty Foods changed hands, she began at Safeway on the other end of town where she eventually retired. She was very good at her job and customers appreciated her tender nature and friendly conversation.

Pearl loved spending time with family, friends and her grandchildren. She bonded well with her daughters’ friends and became a mother to them too. She would often take her daughters and their friends to the Everett Mall, by back roads since she didn’t like the freeway, spending countless hours walking and shopping. A few years after her husband passed away in 2011, she met a new friend, Ron Wesson. The first question out of her mouth upon meeting him was, “Do you dance?” They would go to The Stump most weekends to listen to the bands and dance to their heart’s content.

Pearl will be remembered by her boisterous laugh, crocheted keepsakes, love of country music, adoration of Elvis, and her yummy spaghetti dinners.

Pearl is preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Larry McKernan. She is survived by her daughters, Jennifer Mullin (Carsten) of Arlington, WA and Heather Amend (Paul) of Spokane, WA, four grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She will be greatly missed by so many but we are comforted in knowing she’s back with loved ones.

Services will be held March 29th at 1pm at Arlington Cemetery 20310 67th Ave. NE Arlington, WA.

Potluck reception at Pioneer Hall following.