Advertisement. Advertise with us

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.

Posted

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Related Articles

SCOLINOS: It’s All We Need To Know: Home Plate 17 Inches Wide

COLUMN VIEW FROM THE GAME It’s All We Need To Know: Home Plate 17 Inches Wide Editor’s Note:  Tim Mead, incoming Baseball Hall of Fame president, cited John Scolinos, baseball coach at his alma mater, Cal Poly Pomona, as a lifelong inspiration, particularly Scolinos’ famous speech “17 Inches.” Chris Sperry, who published sperrybaseballlife.com, heard Scolinos deliver a version in 1996 at the American Baseball Coaches Association in Nashville, and wrote this reminiscence in 1916 in his “Baseball Thoughts” column. By CHRIS SPERRY • from www.sperrybaseballlife.com In 1996, Coach Scolinos was 78 years old and five years retired from a college coaching…

HAPPENIN’ OTSEGO: 06-06-23

HAPPENIN’ OTSEGO for TUESDAY, JUNE 6 Share Your Stories Of Baseball In Oneonta BASEBALL STORIES – 6-8 p.m. Local fans are invited to share their stories about Oneonta’s baseball history. Hosted by Bob Brzozowski and Chris Vredenburg at the Oneonta History Center, 183 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-0960 or visit oneontahistory.org/visit/ PLANTING – 1-4 p.m. Join Otsego Land Trust to beautify the gardens at Brookwood Point, 6000 New York 80, Cooperstown. (607) 547.2366 or visit otsegooutdoors.org/event/volunteer-day-at-brookwood-gardens/…

HAPPENIN’ OTSEGO: 06-04-23

HAPPENIN’ OTSEGO for SUNDAY, JUNE 4 Pride Festival at Barnyard Swing FAMILY PRIDE DAY  – Noon to 3 p.m. Celebrate Pride month with a festival featuring face painting, spin art, fossil safari and much more, presented by The Barnyard Swing, 4604 State Highway 28, Milford. Visit otsegopridealliance.org/events/ PLANTING – 1-4 p.m. Join Otsego Land Trust to beautify the gardens at Brookwood Point, 6000 New York State 80, Cooperstown. (607) 547-2366 or visit otsegooutdoors.org/event/volunteer-day-at-brookwood-gardens/…