Mary Frances Kern

She was born in East St. Louis, IL on January 22, 1940, to Bernard and Margaret Pape. She was a graduate of Notre Dame Academy High School in Belleville, IL. During her life, Mary worked as a secretary/ administrative assistant for various companies until she retired. When her children were in school, she was an active member of the St. Henry’s Mother’s Club where she participated in various church and school activities. She was an active member of St. Henry’s Catholic Church. She was also a member of the Salvation Army’s Ladies Auxiliary in Belleville, IL and was active in their meetings, and various fundraisers.

Mary enjoyed going to The Fabulous Fox Theatre for a Broadway Show, as well as Powell Symphony Hall for a Christmas concert performed by the symphony. She was also an avid reader, loved taking trips to the beach and spending time with her family and friends.

Mary will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Bernard and Margaret (Crehan) Pape; daughter, Teresa (Tracie) Kern; son, Todd Kern, and granddaughter Taylor Kern.

She is survived by her daughter, Mary Margaret “Muffie” Kern; son in law Edgar Reed; granddaughter Lora (Giovanni) Romano and great-granddaughter, Augustina Maria.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to consider a donation, in Mary's name, to one of the following organizations: St. Henry’s Catholic Church, Hospice of Southern Illinois, or the Alzheimer’s Association in.

A visitation for Mary will be held Friday, March 21, 2025, from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Lake View Funeral Home, 5000 North Illinois Street, Fairview Heights, IL 62208.

A funeral service will occur Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Henry Catholic Church, 5315 W Main St, Belleville, IL 62226.