Helen J. Kerr – (91) – formerly of 6 Dogwood St., Bath, NY passed away early Saturday morning (December 16, 2017) at the Steuben Center Nursing Facility in Bath, NY where she had resided for the past 9 months.
Born in Hornell on July 18, 1926, she was the daughter of Ira and Ruth (Hooker) Weaver. She resided in Hornell for her entire life before moving to Bath in 2000.
Helen was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1945). She had been employed for 22 years at Alfred State College (SUNY Alfred).
She enjoyed traveling and had visited many countries and most of the United States. She was an avid reader and collected bells & music boxes as hobbies. Helen was a life member of the Hornell Moose Lodge and Hornell VFW. She was also a member of the CSEA-AFSCME, National Rifle Association & Hornell Alumni Association.
Throughout the years, Helen had volunteered for many organizations such as Bethesda Community Hospital, St. James Hospital, Bath VA Hospital, Campfire, Meals on Wheels, nursing homes, etc.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her former husband (and father of her 10 children) who died in 1988; her son, Jack W. Kerr, Jr. who died June 22, 2017; her “daughter-in-law”, Judy Lewis; 1 sister, Evelyn Weaver Grimaldi; 2 brothers, Earl G. Weaver and Ronald L. Weaver; her sons-in-law, Robert Allaway and Richard Flanagan; her brothers in law, John Grimaldi & Robert Baker; her sister-in- law, Vivian Weaver.
Surviving are her TREASURES, 3 daughters, Lucinda “Cindy” Flanagan of Bath, Elizabeth Allaway of Daphne, AL and Susan (Mark Bell) Potter of Daphne, AL; 6 sons, Greg (Linda) Kerr of Hornell, Stephen Kerr of Bradford, NY, David (Kelly Stedman) Kerr of Bath, Karl (Fran) Kerr of Bath, Daniel (Deb Stanford) Kerr of Hornell and James Kerr of Bath; 1 sister, Doris Baker of Tigard, OK; her sister-in-law, Martha Weaver of Savannah, GA; 25 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.
At Helen’s request there will be no calling hours. A private “Celebration of Life” Memorial Service will be held at the convenience of the family.
Helen’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 13067, Alexandria, VA 22312 or to the American Heart Association, PO Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY
I am so sorry for your loss. Your Mom was a wonderful lady who had a special place in my heart. In 1977, we lost our precious tiny toy poodle and had to get back to Rochester.. 2 days later, she found our baby puppy and got hold of us. I never forgot her kindness and for years, she’d ask about us, through my mom. Our “puppy” lived for almost 10 years after that. Sending prayers to you all during your sad time. May your memories comfort you, during the days ahead. In love and sympathy…. Kim Clifford-Wood.
To the Kerr Family, I am one of Helen’s cousins. I regret our paths have crossed so seldom, but as you know, families scatter and it is difficult to bring them all back.
I was a bit surprised to learn of her passing! When we visited her back in August, she seemed to be quite good. It is with mixed feeling, knowing she will be missed, but also that she is in a far better place today.
I trust we can all take comfort in knowing that a loving God has everything under control and we can be joined together again some day if we put our trust in Him.
Our prayers go out for you all at this difficult time. Ira and Nancy Gelser
So very sorry for your loss…..sending prayers and heartfelt sympathies to the family…….
I was so sorry to hear of Helen’s passing! She was such a wonderful neighbor to my Mom, Ruth and Bob Metz. My sincere sympathy to all of the family, thinking of you and sending hugs to all.
Les & Suzanne Babcock
Maria,Shelly,Beth and the entire Kerr family,
I am so sorry for the loss of Helen. She was such a dear friend to my mother. The last time I seen her was at her 90th birthday party,she looked wonderful. I’m sure you all know she lived a full life and will no longer have to feel any pain. I think she went through enough this year. When you have her celebration of life please let us know as we would love to be there to celebrate an amazing ladies life. If there is anything you need or anything we can do,please ask. Until then you are all in my thoughts and prayers. love, Rex & Donna
To the Kerr family, our thoughts and prayers go out to you during your time of sorrow of the loss of your Mother.
I have had the great privelege of having such a wonderful, caring, and loving Mother for the past 58 years. There are no words to describe what she has meant to me not only as my mother but as my friend, She was the best! Although I will miss her everyday I am comforted to know that she is now with my brother Jack who also passed this year. They will live on in my heart until the day we meet again! Miss you Mom!
So sorry for your loss.Helen was a very good woman and will be missed by many. So glad we got to touch base with her 2 years ago at the Bath Country Estates. Love and prayers, Tom Kerr,Donna Miller, Robin Kerr Wilsonvchz
To the family of Ms. Helen J. Kerr, I am truly sorry for your loss. Many are the heart aches we suffer in life but nothing like that when we lose a loved one in death. It feels like your whole world collaped. We can be sure though that death will be a thing of the past. Revelation 21:4 says that “death will be no more”. In the meantime we can rely on God for comfort. Psalms 34:18 says, ” Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit.” I leave you with my deepest condolences.