Annie M. Kern, aka “Ann,” “Anna,” 97, from Schnecksville, rang in the New Year with Jesus.

She died the way she lived her life, with dignity and grace.

Born Oct. 2, 1926, in North Whitehall Township, she was the daughter of the late Norman E. and Miriam E. (Lauchnor) Schneck.

A 1945 graduate of the former South Whitehall High School, she was a certified graphologist.

She and her late husband, Roy C. Kern, were married 71 years.

She and her identical twin sister were married in a double wedding on June 21, 1947.

A personnel administrator at the former ALPO Pet Food, South Whitehall Township, for 20 years, she retired in 1988.

A member of Union Evangelical Lutheran Church, Schnecksville, she sang with the choir for 72 years.

Her love of music, singing, and playing the piano transcended into her daily life.

She participated in and won in a National Grange singing contest with her brother Paul, sister Lois, and cousin Joyce Shankweiler.

An avid golf enthusiast, she was a member of the former Blue Ridge County Club, Palmerton, forging relationships with many life-long friends.

Her survivors include a daughter Barbara A. Lamb and her husband, Charles “Dallas,” of El Cajon, Calif.; son Brian R. Kern and his wife, Colette, of Schnecksville; siblings Paul N. Schneck and his wife, Jean, of Orefield, Lois A. Shaffer and her husband, Elmer “Bud,” of Allentown, and Gertrude E. Sell of Ashland, Mo.; grandchildren Erika Butler and her husband, Travis, Adam Kern and his wife, Nicole, and Michael Kern and his wife, Emily; great-grandchildren Cody, Rylan and Bryson; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

She was predeceased by a son, Terry V. Kern, and twin sister, Kathryn Schmoyer.

Her memorial service will be 11 a.m. Jan. 13 in Union Evangelical Lutheran Church, 5500 Route 873, Schnecksville.

The Rev. Gordon A. Camp will be officiate, assisted by Pastor Adam Kern.

There will be a visitation period 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Private interment at Union Church Cemetery, Neffs.

Expressions of sympathy may be made at heintzelmancares.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church memorial fund and/or to The Vine Calvary Chapel, both c/o of the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.

Arrangements were made by Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., Schnecksville.

Marion M. Hermany