Mary Ellen Kershner

Surrounded by family, on Friday, April the 10th, 2020, at the age of 88, Mary Ellen Kershner peacefully joined the love of her life, Claude, to whom she was married for 63 years. She enjoyed a fulfilling, happy life replete with laughter, hard work and immeasurable love.Mary Ellen was born in West Philadelphia to Edward and Ann McCormick (Spearing) on June the 27th, 1931. Having 3 brothers, she was a tom-boy who fought to best them all in neighborhood games. Her education included West Catholic High School where she excelled in both academics and gymnastics and FitzGerald Mercy where she received her nursing degree, which she used constantly throughout her whole life.On November 15th, 1952, she married her sweetheart, Claude, after meeting on a blind date the year prior. Less than ten years later, their family of two had grown to ten. She loved to joke that she should have had 12 children not “just” 8. She was 100 percent Irish and very proud of it; her household was hectic and fun. She was known for running a tight ship, yet she helped her family enjoy multiple pets and fabulous adventures – always with her out front. Family First was her oft stated theme, but family more often than not extended beyond their 10, as her children’s’ friends were always welcome for a meal or to share in the Kershner shenanigans. Being young and having such a large family necessitated learning how to stretch a dollar, at which she became adept. Through it all, she was beautiful and charming and brought with her a sharp intellect and wit.Over the course of their marriage, Mary Ellen and Claude started and ran CB Kershner, Inc., a Philadelphia based office products and office furniture company. They sold the company in 1996, which allowed them to spend more time in Avalon, NJ and in Ocean Reef Club, Key Largo, Florida where they enjoyed second homes. They were a common site most days, walking hand in hand on the beach.She was tireless. The washer and dryer in their home ran nonstop. Her pie crusts, Devil’s Food Cake, homemade bread and applesauce were family favorites. She knitted prolifically, sewed dresses for her five daughters and volunteered at St. Matthias Church.From the outside, their success was their business at CB Kershner, but those that knew them understood that their true success was their enduring love for each other. They were best friends in every sense of the term who lived life fully and with great gusto: vacationing all over the world, playing golf, a game she learned at 60, and joining the Key Largo Coast Guard Auxiliary.She is survived by her children: Joanne Spellane (Bill), Mary Ellen Smith (Steve) Claude (Cathy Maloney), Connie Migeot, Bryson (Sandy Yannatell), Loretta Zimmermann (Eric), Bruer (Meg) and Mikie O’Mara. She leaves 18 adoring grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brothers Edward and Leo; she is survived by her brother Neil and his wife Joan, as well as many nieces, nephews and in-laws. The family was very grateful for the wonderful caregivers who gave her quality care and friendship in the final years of her life.Due to the current health situation in our country, a Memorial Service will be held at a later date.