Debra A. “Debbie” Kern
September 21, 1954 - August 3, 2025
Debra A. “Debbie” Kern, age 70, of Rehoboth Beach and New Castle,DE, passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2025.
Born in Wilmington, DE, on September 21, 1954, she was a daughter of the late Richard and Rita (Klapinski) Palko. Debbie was a graduate of Christiana High School in 1972. She worked for DP&L as a clerk before starting her family.
Debbie is survived by her loving spouse of 47 years, William H. Kern; children, Matthew W. Kern and Sheyenne D. Hensley (Michael Crump); siblings, Richard Palko, James Palko, and Patsy Jensen; grandchildren, Wyatt and Hudson; and canine companions, Caesar, Lexi, and Bayley.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a memorial service will begin at 11 am. Inurnment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Debbie’s memory to the Lupus Foundation, 270 Madison Avenue, Suite 300, New York, NY 10016 or online by clicking here.
Susan mckernan
Prayers and condolences to the family
Laura McKernan Walker
Our condolences and prayers go out to all of Debbie’s family.
Eternal rest grant unto her oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.
Dee Mitchell
To Bill and Matthew, heartfelt condolences to you both. I’m sorry for your loss ❤️
Susan Harrell Whaley and Earl D. Whaley
To Debbie’s Family,
We are so sorry to hear about Debbie. She was always such a Sweetheart. We will be keeping you all in our prayers, thoughts and sending our love, during this difficult time.
God bless you all,
Susan Harrell Whaley and Earl D. Whaley
CHS Classes of 1971 and 1972
Sebastian, Florida
Hope Buchanan Skibinski
Bill & Matt,
I am so sorry to hear this sad news. Deb was so dear to me and became my spiritual sister. We shared many times about God and His loving mercy. She is and will always be a cherished friend. She absolutely adored and loved you so much Matthew. She was so proud of all of your accomplishments. Bill, she so appreciated your love and care for her through her illness and was hopeful about getting well enough to go see the seagulls again. I am sending much love wrapped in prayer to you and your family. Her light will always shine into all the lives she touched and blessed. 💗
Lynne Debiak
Dear Bill, Matthew and family. We are so saddened at the loss of Debbie. You know we loved her and enjoyed our times with her. She was a sweet and caring soul. We send our love and condolences. Lynne and Janine
Matthew Morris
I first met Debbie over two decades ago. She welcomed me into her home, her family and her heart, as one of her own. She was kind, loving, compassionate, and supporting of all my endeavors.
After I had a stroke in 2020 and was diagnosed with Lupus, Debbie checked in on me regularly. Offering me advice, her unconditional love and support and most importantly a leap of faith.
She always made sure to tell me “never stop living life and never let the disease run your life”. She was admirable.
I am very grateful for the time I’ve spent with her, the conversations we’ve had through out the years, and most importantly the love and support she always gave me.
She was always like a second mom.
My heart goes out to Mr Kern and of course Matty.
Life throws us terrible curves. It’s filled with endless parabolas of Ups and Downs. Of happiness and sorrow. If there’s anything in this life I have learned, is it’s never necessarily over.
Where Debbie has ascended to heaven with our lord and savior, I know deeply within my heart, someday, we will meet again.
Until then, my thoughts and prayers to the family. But most importantly, I will live by the powerful words Debbie always said to me, and never let Lupus control my life. To never stop loving others and being my self.
Thank You Debbie, may you rest in peace. Love you, to the moon and back!
Bernadette Robinson
I love you Debbie and always loved hearing from you. May you rest in peace and may God’s comfort and peace be with your family.
Penny Weatherlow
My deepest condolences to Debbie’s family. So sorry, She was a loving friend, My thoughts & prayers are with you
Patricia
Well, old friend we grew up together and a lot of memories, some we never told anyone. I will always miss you.Remember you my little sis. I love you.I’ve loved you since the day we met! talking to each other almost every day. Save me a chair next to you.
Kathryn RoweSparks
So sorry to hear of Debbie’s passing. Many days and nights enjoying school, after school activities and fun Friday nights together with our little clan. Deb was always so sweet, loving and caring, she will be missed. Prayers to her family.
Kathy Doucette
Wanda
Dear Bill, (and family), I am unable to attend Deb’s service, but will be there in spirit. May she R.I.P. We will all miss her. She was a wonderful person and a great friend.
Christopher Calloway
I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest and sincerest condolences go out to the family. May God watch over Bill and Matt during this trying time.
Lisa Delene Nicholson
I meet Debbie and bill when I lived in Lewes, we started a conversation on the beach and stayed friends over the years. She was a kind, thoughtful and loving person who will be missed but now enjoying eternal peace in heaven. My condolences to the family!