Carol Rose Kerr

We mourn the loss of Carol, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, auntie, and friend who left us shortly after midnight on the 11th of October as a result of complications from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).

She is survived by loving husband George, children Tricia and Kevin (Marita), grandchildren Atticus, Avner, and Harriet, brothers Clayton (Marge), Terry (Noreen), Kris (Marie), and Hartley (Lorraine), and many, many beautiful nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, cousins, and so many friends that were like family. She is predeceased by her parents Hart and Violet and her sister Token (Gus).

We remember Carol for her kindness of spirit, generosity and infectious smile. She inspired those around her with her strength of character, her unconditional love for her family and friends, her tenderness with her grandchildren, and her deep concern for the hearts and feelings of others.

Born in Foam Lake, Saskatchewan, she carried the spirit of community and caring with her through her life. In her fiftieth year of marriage, she was eternally dedicated to her spouse and enjoyed the same in return as the challenges of living with ALS increased. She faced the adversity with grace and an often a mischievous grin that communicated her hopeful spirit long after she was robbed of her voice.

Her years of work in international admissions at Thompson Rivers University made her an “adopted mom” to students from around the world as she and George hosted students who were studying in Kamloops from abroad; this resulted in an extended community of friends in Japan, Macau, Mexico and Brazil among numerous places.

She had a second family inside her sewing circle, a group of tremendous women with whom she shared many years of laughter, love, and community. And in recent years she renewed her love for bridge and enjoyed immensely her time in the local bridge playing community, which became another great group of friends to her in retirement.

The family wishes to thank the ALS Society of BC along with the Red Cross Society, the staff at the Royal Inland Hospital and Interior Health for their compassionate support, in particular Mo, Janice, Barbara, Dr. Calder, and all of the home care angels.

A memorial service will be held at Kamloops United Church (421 St. Paul St.) on November 2, 2013 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers (though she sure loved flowers!), donations can be made to the ALS Society of BC. They can use your support and they do very, very good work.