Janice L. Kern, 95, of Springfield, passed peacefully from this life to life eternal, on Wednesday, November 23, 2022, in her home. Janice was born on August 18, 1927 in Plainfield, New Jersey, to Samuel and Clare Heggen.  Her family resided in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, New York before moving to Staten Island, N.Y. where she graduated from Tottenville High School in 1945. While in high school, she met her future husband, Donald V. Kern.  They were married on August 31, 1947 and celebrated 70 years together before his death in 2018.  From this union were born three daughters; Donna Lee, Robin Leslie and Susan Lynn Kern.  After living for many years in New York, Jan and Don were transferred to Pinckneyville, IL, where they resided, and in their later years moved to Springfield, MO, where they owned a cozy cottage they called home until her death.

Jan will be remembered, by all who knew her, for her rapier wit and lively sense of humor. She loved to have people come over to her home, and always had a pot of tea or coffee over which they "chewed the rag", sharing stories, laughter and friendship.

Janice is survived by her daughters Donna (Joseph) Zerrusen, Teutopolis, IL; Robin Barnes (Paul Hall), Springfield, MO; and Susan Kern, Pinckneyville, IL.  Grandchildren, Jessica (Cory) Armitage, Gresham, OR; Karli (Mark) Feldhake, College Station, TX; Renny (Karla Norgaard) McCauley, Minneapolis, MN; and Sean Zerrusen, Teutopolis, IL.  Great grandchildren, Evangeline and Piper Armitage; Ella, Graham and Ian Feldhake; Ruby and Iris McCauley, and Ty, Leo and Millie Zerrusen.   In addition, her special friends, Maureen and Wade Thompson, Deerfield, Illinois; Gerry and Kevin Tasset, Springfield, Missouri; David and Stephanie Leudde, Strafford, Missouri; and Mary Lynn Dinkins, Pinckneyville, Illinois.

As per her wishes, cremation rites were accorded, and a celebration of life and internment will be held at a later date. Jan would love it if you'd sit down with a loved one, over a cup of tea and reminisce about how her life affected yours.