Edith Kern, a resident of Denver for 75 years, passed away Jan. 14, 2016, at the age of 101. Rabbi Steven Foster officiated at the private family service at Mt. Nebo Cemetery. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.
Edith was born Sept. 4, 1914, near Koblenz, Germany. She emigrated to the US and arrived in New York City with three dollars in her pocket in December, 1935.
A dedicated student, she attended classes four nights a week to perfect her command of the English language.
During that time, Edith and her cousins wrote affidavits that provided entry for people from Germany who wanted to come to the US.
Edith Stern married Charles Kern in 1940 in New York City. They moved to Denver, where former refugees from Germany hosted them until Charles found employment.
A seamstress and bookkeeper, Edith worked other jobs until her husband passed away when she was 55.
Then she began volunteering at the Denver Public Library in the new book section.
Edith joined the Denver chapter of the Brandeis University Womens Committee, for which she prepared and presented thousands of books for the annual Brandeis book sale. She ultimately served as president of the organization.
Also active in the Denver chapter of Hadassah, she served on the Hadassah board and became a lifetime member. She also helped coordinate a donor luncheon, solicited Big Gifts, participated in membership events and hosted several Hadassah functions.
Edith learned to play Duplicate Bridge and gradually became a Double Life Master.
Edith traveled to every continent and attended Shabbat services regularly.
In her later years, she practiced Tai Chi, swam daily, played Mah Jongg and enjoyed being with family and friends.
Edith Kern is survived by her sister Gretel Trent; nephew Richard (Bette) Tannen and nieces Deb (Lorraine Ferra) Trent and Judy (Steve) Sterner; great-nephew David (Jennifer) Tannen and great-nieces Amy (Charles) Warren, Ruth Sterner and Ricka Sterner; and great great-niece Natalya Tannen.
She is also mourned by numerous cousins, her caregivers and friends.
Contributions may be made to The Denver Hospice, BMH-BJ or the charity of choice.
Copyright © 2016 by the Intermountain Jewish News
