In Celebration of
Beulah "Joan" Kerr
April 12, 1933 -
January 17, 2023
Peacefully, on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at Credit Valley Hospital, at the age of 89. Beloved wife of Doug for 64 years. Loving mother of Dave (Paige), Cathy, and Don (Claudia Dey) Devoted grandmother of Tyler (Danya Lette), Connor (Nicolas Pratt), Emma, Sarah, Larissa, Dove, Austin, and great grandmother to Ellie and Lydia.
Remembered for her kind, humble and boundless heart, Joan was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. Her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the brightest light in her eye. She loved tirelessly and devotedly. An avid reader and observer of life and its wonders, Joan consumed fiction, wrote poetry and short stories. She had a vivid internal world and delighted us with stories of her past on her family farm in Prince Edward Island, where she spent her formative years and taught in a one-room schoolhouse. Joan then moved to Toronto where she met Doug, dressed irresistibly as a cowboy, at a Hallowe’en dance––and the rest, as they say, is history. While raising three children, in a quietly renegade move, Joan attended University of Toronto, graduating with an English Literature degree. She then continued to share her love of language, teaching English to new Canadians for decades. Every day, Joan made a difference to other people’s lives. She raised all that was around her. Together, Joan and Doug traveled the world, and Joan kept detailed journals of new and magical sites. Joan baked and cooked as an act of love, had the most beautiful handwriting, never forgot a birthday or anniversary, and had the most ready smile and hug. She put her spirit into all that she did. She was an example of grace and what it is to love unconditionally. She gave freely, leaving us with the eternal gift of an example of a pure and selfless love.
Friends and family greeting at Christ First Church, 1700 Mazo Crescent, Mississauga, on Saturday, January 28, 2023 from 2 p.m., with a Celebration of Life Service at 3 p.m. and reception to follow.
Arrangements entrusted to the Turner & Porter Neweduk Chapel, 1981 Dundas St. West, Mississauga ON L5K 1R2; 905-828-8000.
For those who wish, donations may be made to https://malala.org/ Online condolences may be made through www.turnerporter.ca