Obituary of Edna Hern

Edna Loretta (Trivett) Hern died peacefully on the morning of November 15, 2013 at Manor Care. She was 96 years old. Edna was the daughter of Wiley Trivett and Bertha Plumley. She was born on April 4, 1917 in Salina, Kansas. Her mother, Bertha, died a year later in the influenza epidemic of 1918. She graduated from Salina High School in 1935. She was preceded in death by her father, by her brother, Eustace Trivett, by her husband of 54 years, John W. Hern, Jr. in 1990, and by her partner of 9 years, Wayne E. Housman, in 2000. She is survived by her sister, Audrey Divilbiss, 99, of Salina Kansas, her son, Warren M. Hern, of Boulder, her daughters, Lucinda Davidson, Christine Ann Berry, son-in-law Jim Davidson, daughter-in-law Odalys, two grandsons, Jason and Fernando, and grand-daughter Brenna, all of whom she adored. Edna was an active, strong, energetic woman who was a talented seamstress, cook, homemaker, civic leader, and dedicated mother and grandmother. In later life, she blossomed as a talented artist. With her husband, John, she helped build the family home in Englewood in the 1950's, thinking nothing of hefting a 16-foot 2x10 plank onto her shoulder and carrying it to its place as a floor joist. She raised plentiful gardens, designed and made her children's clothes, and entertained countless friends from throughout the community. Her many friendships from childhood on, lasting decades into old age, enriched her life and the lives of all who knew her. She was devoted to her friends, and they were devoted to her. Her addictive cinnamon rolls have enriched many cardiologists and weight-loss programs. She was dedicated, with her husband, to helping her children learn about the world by taking them to important cultural events from early childhood such as the original stage productions of "Porgy and Bess" and "The Wizard of Oz." She supported all aspects of education including art, literature, science, natural history, photography and music education, and by welcoming students and educators from around the world into the family home for homestay visits sponsored by the Institute for International Education. A highlight of her life was the family's 1967 three-week trip to Brazil, where Warren was serving as a Peace Corps Physician, and which included points throughout Brazil and Peru. After having witnessed two world wars and survived the Great Depression, she made sure her children knew about current events and world affairs by taking them to hear leaders such as Dwight Eisenhower, Adlai Stevenson, and John F. Kennedy. She was proud to meet Eleanor Roosevelt, Genevive Fiore and Nancy Pelosi in person. Women couldn't vote when Edna was born. Edna taught her children about social injustice and taught them to try to make the world better. A private memorial service is planned for family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, the family recommends donations in Edna's name to a charity of the donor's choice.