Barbara Ann (Kernahan) Bullen

Barbara Kernahan (Kernie) Bullen passed away at the age of 85 on Monday, June 19, 2023.  She is at peace and will forever be in our hearts. 

Born on October 23, 1937 in Adams, Massachusetts she was raised in the Berkshires, daughter to William B. Kernahan and Phyllis Francis Kernahan.  She was the older sister to William “Bill” Kernahan.

Barbara graduated from North Adams State (now Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts) with a BS in Education.  Following five years of teaching in Massachusetts, in 1964 she embraced the opportunity to teach elementary students in Frankfurt, Germany for the Department of Defense.  During this time she met the love of her life, Joseph W. Bullen III of Lansdowne, Pennsylvania, to whom she wed on July 23, 1966.

Throughout her time living in and around Philadelphia, Barbara was a teacher and friend to all.  She was the wife of Joe and proud mother of three daughters, Cristin Wickless (Kevin), Kate Murphy (Ryan) and Becky Cogswell (Tim). She was in her element with her three children, eight nieces and nephews, and most recently her six grandchildren and step-grandchildren: Erica, Madelyn, Jackson, Courtney, Kirra and Harper.       

Barbara was truly an amazing human being.  She made all those who came in contact with her feel special, heard and welcomed.  Her empathy knew no bounds. She had a calm, positive and fun loving spirit.  Through the years she introduced her progeny to the beauty of New England, skiing, tennis, Girl Scouts, lobster rolls, scallops, hot fudge sundaes with wet nuts, baking, all sorts of arts and crafts and the joy of reading a great book. 

She loved the beach and a great view.  Beginning in her youth at Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, later to the south Jersey shore, and most recently Virginia Beach.  Some of her most peaceful memories were spent sitting with her husband Joe on their balcony looking over the Chesapeake Bay or a lush landscape of rolling hills and trees at their home in Newtown Square, PA,.

A service remembering and celebrating Barbara’s life will be held at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 3625 Chapel Road, Newtown Square, PA on Saturday, June 24th at 11 am with a reception following in the church hall. Instead of flowers, donations may be made to St. Alban’s Episcopal Church. 

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