Nancy Curtis Kern

Nancy Kern, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, partner, woman of faith, and longtime librarian, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2026, at the age of 93 surrounded by the love of her family she treasured throughout her life.

Nancy was born on May 28, 1933, in Providence, Rhode Island. She married George W. Kern on April 7, 1956, and together they built a life centered around family, faith, and raising their children. Nancy and George shared 55 years together until his passing on January 15, 2012. They lived a full career in the Air Force which brought them around the world together building their family through different chapters of their lives, from Rome, New York, Okinawa, Japan, Smyrna, Tennessee, Warner Robins, Georgia, Scottsdale, Arizona, Huber Heights, Ohio, Albrook Air Force Base in Panama, San Antonio, Texas, and back to Huber Heights, Ohio.

Nancy was the loving mother of seven children. She was preceded in death by her infant son, Michael Kern, who was born on November 24, 1957 and died on November 25, 1957. She is survived by her children, Stephen Kern (Kathryn), Susanne Kern, Thomas Kern (Dori), David Kern, Marianne Fletcher (Richard), and Gregory Kern (Karen). She was also preceded in death by David's wife, Michelle, who passed away unexpectedly in September 2025. Nancy loved her Grandchildren as well, Patrick, Katie, Autumn/Cas, Connor (Shaylee), Aidan, Mason, Emma, Kristen, Daniel (Sabrina), Dawn (Rick), Sarah (Mike), Nathan (Jeanne), Jessica (Eddy), Jeff (Shannon) and 8 Great-Grandchildren.

Family was at the center of Nancy's life. As the mother of a large family, she experienced all that comes with raising six children into adulthood: the joys and celebrations, the challenges and worries, and eventually the blessing of watching her family grow through marriages and grandchildren.

Nancy spent much of her professional life as a librarian, a career well suited to her love of journaling, learning, and helping others. She retired from Wright State University in 1996, following a long career of service.

Her Catholic faith was an important part of her life. Nancy was a longtime member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Huber Heights, Ohio, and for many years she gave generously of her creativity and talents to the Church. A gifted seamstress and designer, she created and sewed large banners and decorations used around the Albrook Chapel.

Later in life, Nancy was blessed to find love and companionship again with her fiancé, Robert "Bob" Guillaum. Bob became another great love of her life and, for many years, her devoted partner, companion, Road Warrior and ultimately her caregiver. His love and dedication allowed Nancy to enjoy her later years surrounded by companionship, family, and people who cared deeply for her.

Nancy was especially grateful for the love and care she received from her children and their spouses, and from Bob's family, who welcomed her as one of their own. In her final years, Bob and her daughter Marianne devoted countless hours to caring for her daily needs, allowing her to remain surrounded by those she loved.

Nancy faced cancer courageously. Rather than focusing on what the disease had taken from her, she spoke about how fortunate she felt to be so loved and cared for.

She remained positive and upbeat, living by the words, “It’s A Good Life” and shortly before her passing, Nancy told her family simply, “I’m A Lucky Girl.”

Those words captured much of who Nancy was near the end of her life. Even while facing pain and declining health, she remained thankful for the many friends and loved ones who visited, helped, prayed, and cared for her.

And those who loved Nancy would say that they were the lucky ones.

Nancy leaves behind a large and loving family, a lifetime of memories, and a legacy built not around possessions or accomplishments, but around family, faith, service, creativity, gratitude, and love.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

A viewing will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home, North Chapel at 4104 Needmore Road on Wednesday, August 26 from 5:00pm-7:00pm. Also, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Peter Catholic Church in Huber Heights, Ohio on Thursday, August 27 at 10:00am with burial at Calvary Cemetery in Dayton.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Nancy’s honor to one of the following organizations: St. Peter St. Vincent de Paul Conference, St. Gabriel the Archangel Family of Parishes, the Clark County Dog Shelter, or Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton.

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