Joan Kernan

Joan Laherty Gargus Kernan, 89 (11-17-31 to 11-9-21) died peacefully in her sleep after a short fight with COVID 19 at Concord Place Memory Care, Concord, NC.  She was preceded in death by her parents John Laherty and Mary Louise Rice Laherty, sister Mary Lou (Ed) Babor and her husband James “Bud” Kernan and the father of her five children Robert Gargus.  She was born and grew up in St. Louis, Missouri where she will be laid to rest at a future date.
Survived by her five children: R. Keith Gargus of Estelle, Nicaragua; Karen Certo-Ware of Cornelius, NC; Kevin Gargus of St. Louis MO; Colleen Caldwell-Juras (Paul) of Cornelius NC; John (Liz) Gargus of Downingtown, PA.
Grandchildren:  Melissa (Bob) Rube of Raleigh, NC; Michael Certo of Wilmington, NC; Sean (Elizabeth) Caldwell of Huntersville, NC; Ryan (Sarah) Caldwell of Simpsonville, SC; Matthew (Christine) Ware of Winchester, VA; Margot Gargus of Downingtown PA.
Great-Grandchildren:  Aubrey & Haylie Ware and Vivian & Will Caldwell.  She was so excited to hear last week of her fifth great-grandchild is due in April from Ryan and Sarah!
She was a devout Catholic of St. Louis University Lower College Church while she lived in St. Louis.  Joan went to high school at St. Joseph’s Academy in St. Louis.  She went to Maryville College and graduated as a Registered Nurse at the age of 40 years while working and raising the youngest three children as a single mother.  She loved nursing and worked in a wide variety of specialties.   Her other interest included art, painting, knitting, quilting, camping, traveling, fashion, politics and just having fun.  She was frequently described as a “character”.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Little Sisters of the Poor in St. Louis.  Here is the link:  https://littlesistersofthepoorstlouis.weshareonline.org/

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Kernan family.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com