Browse the obituary of residing in the province of Ontario for funeral details
It is with sad hearts that we say goodbye to Sarah Kerr, our loving mother and Nana, who went peacefully on Saturday, September 6, 2025, in her ninety-first year.
She will be dearly missed by her daughters, Catherine (John), Patricia (Cathy), and her grandsons, Andrew (Terra), Luke (Aram), and Michael (Emma), as well as her family back home.
Sarah Martina Kerr, also lovingly known as Sally, was born in County Mayo, Ireland, in 1934. Part of a family of ten siblings, she grew up in a modest and resourceful household that gave her an appreciation of life, music, and the power of resilience. In 1956, at the age of 22, she immigrated to Canada to begin her new life and career.
In Toronto, she met Sidney Kerr, also from Ireland, and they were married in 1959. They raised their two daughters in Streetsville, building an Irish household in Canada. Sally held positions as head secretary and office manager in various professional settings. She was always eager to volunteer in the community and the parish, as well as juggling work and still finding time for family life.
In 1975, Sally began working part-time for Volunteer International Christian Service (VICS), a Canadian lay organization dedicated to helping people in developing countries. It quickly turned into a full-time job and ultimately her calling. She worked alongside Father Dermot Doran for 27 years, developing and operating the VICS organization. Through VICS, Sally met many lifelong friends across Canada and left a special mark on everyone she met here and overseas. Father Dermot described her as “the heart of VICS”. They became her second family and her passion. Being a part of something that made such a difference was everything to her.
In retirement, Sally and Sid spent their time caring for their three grandchildren. They cherished the boys and were wonderful grandparents. After Sid’s passing, she quickly became the best full-time Nana, and the boys were always eager to be with her. Over the years, she gave them so much love, many adventures, and plenty of Irish wit and wisdom. The Nana stories will be in their hearts forever. She also continued with her charity work at Hospice Canada and stayed well-connected with the VICS community.
In the last 12 years of Sally’s life, she battled many health issues, yet she was still able to rise to the occasion with a funny remark or join in with a song. When her daughters played music with her, she knew all the lyrics of every old tune.
We will miss this beautiful lady who filled our hearts, loved us, laughed with us, and shared her incredible life. Mom, Nana, friend – you have set us a wonderful example of how to live life the right way. You will live on in your many accomplishments, stories, jokes, and the songs you sang.
Special thanks to the amazing staff at Humber Meadows who took great care of our mom. We are grateful and appreciate everything you did to make her feel comfortable and loved.
Visitation will be held at MARSHALL FUNERAL HOME,10366 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill, on Thursday, September 18, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM.
Funeral mass will be held at St. Mary’s Immaculate Church, 10295 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill, on Friday, September 19, at 10:30 AM. Reception and celebration of life to follow.
In place of flowers, donations can be made to VICS Canada in Sarah’s memory.
By e-transfer – to vics1@volunteerinternational.ca
or by mail – cheques may be made out to VICS, Box 105, Watson, SK. SOK 4VO or
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Saturday September 6th 2025
Death notice for the town of: Richmond-Hill, Province: Ontario
death notice Sarah Sally Kerr Saturday September 6th 2025
obituaries notice Sarah Sally Kerr Saturday September 6th 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Sarah Sally Kerr Saturday September 6th 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
