JOYCE E. KERR

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JOYCE E. KERR (nee Dennis) Joyce Elizabeth Christine Kerr, beloved wife of the late Frank Kerr, passed away peacefully at the Tuxedo Villa Nursing Home in Winnipeg on Saturday, April 1, 2000 at the age of 91 years. Joyce was born in Swan River, Man. on March 12, 1909. She was the first born of five children to Raymond and Caroline Dennis. The family lived in a cottage-style house amongst the beautiful elm trees of Swan River. The river became a favourite playground for Joyce and her siblings and our Gran had many stories of fun and sometimes misadventure to tell. We loved to hear Gran reminisce about their Shetland ponies, sleigh rides, boating excursions, ice skating, picnic lunches and the excitement of the ice "going out". It was here on the banks of the Swan River that a deep , lasting bond of love, commitment and friendship was forged amongst the Dennis kids. In 1931, the family transferred to Winnipeg while Gran was completing her last year at Brandon College. She obtained her B.A. degree in 1932. She went on to Normal School in Winnipeg and received her teaching certificate. Over the years she enjoyed working with children in the younger grades. It was at Brandon College (now University) that Gran met her husband of 52 years, Arthur Franklin Kerr. They were married July 21, 1934 by Stanley Knowles. Joyce was a supportive, patient and loving wife to Frank. They experienced many moves during Grandpas career in the field of education. She always managed a beautiful, tastefully decorated home, cared deeply for her two sons Don and Mel, and helped to restore and renovate the Kerr family homestead at Ninette, Man. among other things. Joyce was a much loved mother and grandmother. She created many happy memories for her family. The years at the farm will always be cherished by her grandchildren. We will always have fond memories of our adventurous, creative Granny who taught us to fish. We will never forget the swimming, raspberry picking, bonfires at the waters edge, skipping stones and "ball-in-the-tub". There was always a large vegetable garden, crabapples for jelly and lovely flowers and plants everywhere. Gran was a talented seamstress and made two of her granddaughters wedding dresses. She took art lessons later in life and her paintings grace the walls of many of our homes. Gran never missed an opportunity to support and encourage her family. Gran was a faithful correspondent with her lifelong friends and her cousins in England. In 1982 Granny presented each of her family members with a collection of facts and memories that she had lovingly compiled into a family history. Granny had a few "highlights" in her life. From 1956-1958, Grandpa was stationed in Baden-Soellingen, West Germany. It was here that Gran learned to drive and had many an adventure with her son Mel as they toured Europe in their little Volkswagen Beetle. In 1974 Granny was thrilled to make the trip to Australia to spend time with Don and family. Gran always longed to see more of her Australian grandchildren and the trip was a dream come true. More recently, Granny and her son Don enjoyed a wonderful holiday together in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Alberta. Gran was raised in the Baptist Church and taught Sunday School. In later years she was a charter member of the Westworth United Church. The quiet faith and strength she modelled was admired by those who knew her. Gran was predeceased by her parents, husband Frank in 1987 and brothers Ian and Rodney Dennis. Gran will be lovingly remembered by her sons Don (Janice) of Australia and Mel (Lorraine) grandchildren Patty (Bob McVeigh), Leslie (Patrick Brown) Susan, Don (Sheila), Ron (Carol), Leighan, Larissa, Christine and Melissa; great grandchildren Steven, Leah, Lindsey, Kevin, Kazmierz, Allyse, Cortne, Cara, Cameron, Gavin and Billy. As well as her children and grandchildren, Joyce will be missed by her sisters Ethel Dennis and Elsie and husband Blake Johns; sisters-in-law Bernice Dennis and Dorthy Dennis and numerous nieces and nephews. The family wish to express thanks for her care to the staff at Tuxedo Villa Nursing Home. We would especially like to thank Aunty Elsie and Uncle Blake for the countless hours they spent at the Villa with Granny and all the tender loving care they gave our mother and grandmother. We have all been blessed to see the close relationship between these sisters and our lives are better for it. Thank you Aunty for "being there". At Grans request, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at Westworth United Church, 1750 Grosvenor Ave. on Saturday, April 8 at 2:00 p.m. with a reception to follow. The Rev. Dr. Eleanor Geib will officiate. A private interment will follow at the family plot in the Ninettte Cemetery at a later date. Till we all meet again We love you THOMSON FUNERAL CHAPELS 783-7211

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 06, 2000