Barbara Mary Kernell

Barbara Mary Kernell, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025, at the age of 91 surrounded by family. Born to Oliver and Ruth O’Brien on September 20, 1933, in St. Louis, Missouri, she graduated from Xavier Catholic High School in 1951.

Barb is survived by her children: Sue Winter, Joe (Marie) Kernell, Mary (Tim) Laird, Patty Kernell (daughter-in-law), Jim (Tonja) Kernell, Jane (Kurt) Rall, Bob (Michele) Kernell, and Pat (Margarett) Kernell; grandchildren: Stephanie (Micah) Saucier, Stacey (Andy) Winter, Haley (Michael) Kernell, Charlie Laird, Molly (Spencer) Finley, Emily Laird, Grace Laird, Tim Kernell, Kathleen (Tyler) Gardner, Will (Andrea) Kernell, Maura Kernell, Tate (Danielle) Kernell, Wyatt Kernell, Quinn Kernell, Lola Kernell, Kyle (Mary) Rall, Natalie (Ethan) Rall, Michael Rall, Sophia Rall, Zac (Shelby) Kernell, Luke Kernell, Drew Kernell, Nathan (Maddie) Kernell, Aaron Kernell, Christian Kernell; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Lawrence, her parents Oliver and Ruth, her sister Patricia Dowling, her brother Gerald O’Brien and her son Thomas Kernell.

Barb’s legacy of love lives on in the many family traditions we continue to hold dear, each one rooted in the foundation she so lovingly established. Holidays like Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day, and the Fourth of July were never ordinary; they were transformed into joyful celebrations filled with good food, festive decorations, and time spent together. She lived her Catholic faith with bold strength and daily devotion, always seeking to lead others to Christ through both word and example.

A dedicated homemaker in her early years, Barb later worked for Cloud Nine, State Farm, and served as Volunteer Coordinator at the VA Hospital. Her true vocation, however, was in the care and support she gave to others, both professionally and in her countless hours of volunteer service. She faithfully walked alongside many converts to the Catholic Church through RCIA, supported numerous church ministries including assistance to Vietnam refugees, Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary, Right to Life, Eucharistic Minister for Ellis Fischel. Barb gave her time and talent to the PET Mobility Project, always placing the needs of others before her own.

Barb had a love for music and proudly sang with the VA choir, performing in venues as distinguished as the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. Her hobbies reflected her creativity and joyful spirit, and she was an accomplished painter, seamstress, crocheter, and jewelry maker. She had an eye for beauty and expressed it through flower arrangements, hand-crafted gifts, and the special touches she brought to every celebration.

A funeral service will be held on July 28, 2025, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. followed by the Holy Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Columbia, Missouri. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Columbia, Missouri. Friends and family are invited to come together to honor her memory and celebrate a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospitality North American Volunteers (https://lourdesvolunteers.org/donate/) in Barb’s name, reflecting her lifelong commitment to Our Lady and the message of Lourdes.

Barb’s legacy of faith, family, creativity, compassion, and love will live on in all who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com