IN MEMORIAM
Jan Kerr, 83; CCS Mainstay,
Volunteer Across Community
COOPERSTOWN – Jan Ann Kerr, 83, lost her determined and courageous battle with multiple myeloma just after midnight, Dec. 8, holding hands with her children. Her will to live and love of her family gave her extraordinary strength, and her love kept her family close.
Jan was born in Ayer, Mass., to David and Alice Sargent, who predeceased her in 1994 and 1995, respectively. She loved life on her family farm in Groton, Mass., and graduated valedictorian of her 1953 high school class. College led her to UMass, where she graduated in 1957. She earned her master’s degree from SUNY Oneonta.
She began her teaching career in Rockland County at the age of 21. She started teaching in Cooperstown in 1971, and loved helping her students become the successful adults they were meant to be. Mrs. Kerr held many positions while at CCS, from junior class adviser to teacher union president. She chaperoned 21 senior trips. She was an advocate of all students and coworkers, and always stood up for truth, fairness, and honesty.
Retiring in 1999, she quickly adjusted to life as a volunteer, member of many committees, and most importantly – Grammy. Cooperstown grandchildren had the privilege of her attending their concerts, ball games, etc. Out-of-town grandchildren always knew that she wished she could be with them, and that she loved them dearly. She was fondly known as “Super G” and the “Graminator.” She queued up at the Sports Center by 3 a.m. for many years to sign her “grands” up for summer camps.
In retirement, Jan became an accomplished bowler and, with her sister, Joyce, won the No Tap tournament four years in a row. She enjoyed water skiing, riding her bike, and always being outside, especially in warmth and sunshine.
She is survived by her four children, Kathleen Evans (Dan), Wendy Kerr, Beth Kerr (Val), and William Kerr; her beloved grandchildren, Ryan, Jay, Grant and Alisa Davine, Jack, Putnam and Lila Kerr, Jaimeson Reed-Kerr, Sam (Mai), Nelson and Max (Bridgette) Moody, Scott and Kathryn Evans; three great-grandchildren; and siblings Joyce Jones, Jean Norton (Lee), Dave Sargent (Jan); and many nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly.
A celebration of Jan’s life will be at 11 a.m. Dec. 27 at Cooperstown United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Sundar Samuel officiating. Reception immediately to follow at the Upstate Bar & Grill. All are welcome. Please feel free to share fond memories of our mom.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Janet Kerr Scholarship Fund in care of CCS, Linden Ave, Cooperstown, NY 13326.
Arrangements are under the care of Tillapaugh Funeral Service, Cooperstown.
