Joanne M. (Doherty) Kerr, 76, of New Harbor, Maine and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida died Sunday, December 20, 2015 in a hospice facility in West Palm Beach following a brief illness. She was born in Worcester, Mass., daughter of the late Dr. Francis J. and Elizabeth (McDermott) Doherty.
Joanne is survived by her husband of 54 years, William A. Kerr of Palm Beach Gardens and New Harbor,. a brother Francis J. Doherty, Jr. of Lancaster, Mass, and a brother-in-law Donald Kerr of Webster, N.Y. She also leaves seven nieces and nephews: F. Joseph Doherty, 3rd of Worcester, Mass.; Sean W. Doherty of Mesa, Ariz.; Ann E. Smith of Huntersville, N.C.; Kevin L. Doherty of Leominster, Mass.; Kara L. Doherty, of
Worcester; Alison Miller of Rowley, Mass,; and Beth Helfter of Pepperell, Mass.; as well as 15 grand nieces and nephews.
Joanne leaves behind the many friends who she made and kept from elementary school days and throughout her entire life. In addition to her Maine and Florida residences, she and Bill lived for many years in the Greater Hartford, Connecticut area. She grew up in the Cherry Valley section of Leicester, Mass. Joanne was a graduate of the former St.Peter’s High School in Worcester and of Worcester State University where she was an active alumna. In her younger years she taught school in California and Connecticut, and was active in the Girl Scouts of America as a troop leader. The Kerrs traveled extensively and were especially fond of Bermuda where they vacationed many times.
Joanne was known in the family and beyond as the consummate hostess and the Kerrs entertained guests frequently at their Maine and Florida homes. Friends described Joanne as “a wonderful, generous and loving person.”
Her family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach where she received exceptional care during her final illness.
Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, January 2nd from 9:30am until 10:30am in Christ The King Church, 1052 Pleasant St., Worcester. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Waite St., Leicester. CALLAHAN-FAY & CASWELL FUNERAL HOME, 61 Myrtle St., Worcester is assisting the family with arrangements.