Joanne Kerr

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, a brother Francis J. Doherty, Jr of Lancaster, Mass, and a brother-in-law Donald Kerr of Webster, NY. She also leaves seven nieces and nephews: F. Joseph Doherty III and Kara L. Doherty of Worcester, Mass; Sean W. Doherty of Mesa, Ariz.; Ann E. Smith of Huntersville, NC; Kevin L. Doherty of Leominster, Mass.; 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 was a graduate of Worcester State University where she was an active alumna. In her younger years, she taught school in California and Connecticut, and she was active in the Girl Scouts of America as a Troop Leader.

Joanne was known in the family and beyond as the consummate hostess and the Kerr’s entertained guests frequently at their Maine and Florida homes. Friends described Joanne as a “wonderful, generous, and loving person.”

The Kerr’s traveled extensively and were especially fond of Bermuda where they vacationed many times. Her family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of St. Mary’s Medical Center where she received exceptional care during her final illness.