Molly Zerbe Obituary (1950 - 2026)

Mary Kathryn Zerbe, lovingly known as “Molly” 75 years old, of Cary, Illinois, passed away at home on February 27, 2026. The daughter of Edward and Clementine Kern (nee McLin); Molly was born on June 24, 1950 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As a sister in a family of five children she was the “baby”. When she was a child, Molly could con her way into your dates and end up being the life of the party. Molly was a beautiful and unique woman. Molly was the Auntie all the kids adored and she loved them fiercely. She was always ready to listen, offer advice, help buy their first car and support them in any way possible; her nieces and nephews saw her as a second mother. In business she was shrewd and meticulous. Her mind for figures was uncanny and nothing got by her. She took pride in any venture she tackled. Her two dogs, Lucy and Ethel were her pride and joy in her later life. Through her dog walking she met fabulous neighbors who remained very close to her. Molly was sunshine and rainbows all rolled into one. Her sense of humor was so infectious she could actually get everyone crying from laughter. To her family Molly was everything and her family was everything to her. She was truly loved and will be so missed. She is survived by her sisters, Joan Barrus, Andrea Foster, Karolyn Gratz and brother Edward “Tucker” Kern; along with a host of nieces and nephews and many lifelong friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Edward & Clementine Kern; brothers-in-law Charles Foster & Stephen Gratz; and nephew Mark Foster. In loving memory of Molly, donations to Journeycare Hospice are appreciated, and could be made via: https://journeycare.org/donate/ Molly’s interment and celebration of life will be held at a later date. Please visit and share memories you may have with Molly, via her tribute page www.thememorialchapelofwaukegan.com